Great Books, Playwriting, & Book Making (3rd-5th)

Class Title: Great Books, Playwriting and Book Making  

Grades: 3rd-5th  

Course Description:  

Great Books, Playwriting & Book Making 

Full-Year Course | Grades 3–5 

This full-year language arts experience invites students to step into the world of literature—not  just as readers, but as playwrights, authors, and illustrators. 

Semester 1: Great Books & Playwriting 

In the first semester, students explore engaging works of children’s literature and transform what  they read into original plays. Through discussion and analysis, students strengthen reading  comprehension by examining character motivation, setting, theme, and plot structure. 

Using these literary elements as inspiration, students write creative spin-offs—imagining  alternate endings, shifting perspectives, or placing familiar characters in entirely new situations.  Early scripts are written independently to build foundational skills. As the semester progresses,  students collaborate in small groups to create longer scenes. 

Class time includes rehearsal and performance practice. Scripts are read (not memorized) during  live in-class presentations, allowing students to grow in expressive reading, vocal clarity, and  confident speaking. 

Semester 2: Book Making 

In the second semester, students become authors and illustrators as they write and design their  own bound books. Students will create a variety of written works, including both fiction and non fiction books. 

We will study the artwork and design features of distinguished children’s books, learning how  illustration, layout, and text placement work together to tell a story. Students will experiment  with different artistic styles and page designs as they develop their own unique voice. 

Most drafting will begin in class, with continued writing and revision at home. Each completed  project will be assembled into a finished, bound book. After publication, students will share their  work aloud, continuing to build poise and public speaking skills.  

*If students have taken the book-making class previously, they are welcome to take it again.  

Homework: 1-2 hours/week  

• Writing and editing scripts/stories  

• Reading short novels  

• Gathering simple play props/costumes 

Materials Needed: (can be checked out from library)  • Book titles TBD  

• Materials for book-making are provided  

Class Min: 6  

Class Max: 16  

Cost Per Semester: 1st semester $275/ 2nd Semester $300  Method of Payment:  

Zelle (preferred)- [email protected]  Venmo- @Arika-Cazale  

Contact info:  

Arika Cazale  

[email protected]