And Then There Were None: Casting the Characters

In this lesson plan students will work in pairs to cast their own movie version of the novel. Students must have a knowledge of the characters and setting from the novel. Casting of the characters must correlate with the character traits mentioned in the book. Students will collaborate on a multimedia presentation that demonstrates understanding of characterization presented in a novel. Strategies and classroom accommodations for students with learning or behavior problem are listed at the bottom of the lesson plan. You will also find rubrics and assessments for the project.

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.6
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.9
Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.7
Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.5
Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.4
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 7 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.5
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each...
CLE 3003.7.2
Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
CLE 3003.7.4
Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
CLE 3005.7.2
Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
CLE 3005.7.4
Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
GLE 0701.2.6
Deliver effective oral presentations.
GLE 0701.3.3
Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0701.3.4
Refine strategies for editing and revising written work.
GLE 0701.4.1
Define and narrow a problem or research topic.
GLE 0701.4.2
Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0701.4.3
Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
GLE 0701.4.4
Write a research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
SPI 0701.1.20
Recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary within context.
SPI 0701.2.4
Determine the most effective methods for engaging an audience during an oral presentation (e.g., making eye contact, adjusting speaking rate).
SPI 0701.3.1
Identify the purpose for writing (i.e., to inform, to describe, to explain, to persuade, to entertain).
SPI 0701.3.13
Select the most appropriate format for writing a specific work-related text (i.e., instructions, directions, letters, memos, e-mails, reports).
SPI 0701.3.2
Identify the audience for which a text is written.
SPI 0701.3.5
Select the appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0701.3.8
Select an appropriate concluding sentence for a well-developed paragraph.
SPI 0701.4.1
Select the most focused research topic.
SPI 0701.4.3
Determine the most appropriate research source for a given research topic.
SPI 0701.7.2
Select the visual image that best reinforces a viewpoint or enhances a presentation.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.IKI.7
Evaluate the topic or subject in multiple diverse formats and media.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.IKI.7
Evaluate the topic, subject, and/or theme in multiple diverse formats and media, including how the version interprets the source text.
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.5
Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
TSS.ELA.7.L.KL.3
When writing and speaking, choose precise language to express ideas concisely.
TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.6
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or...
TSS.ELA.7.SL.PKI.4
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use...
TSS.ELA.7.SL.PKI.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
TSS.ELA.7.W.PDW.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
TSS.ELA.7.W.PDW.5
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new...
TSS.ELA.7.W.PDW.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to collaborate with others; link to and cite sources; type a complete product in...
TSS.ELA.7.W.RBPK.7
Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on multiple sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
TSS.ELA.7.W.RBPK.8
Integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding...
TSS.ELA.7.W.RW.10
Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
TSS.ELA.7.W.TTP.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
TSS.ELA.7.W.TTP.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
TSS.ELA.7.W.TTP.3
Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and...
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 
Learning objectives: 
  • Students will collaborate on a multimedia presentation that demonstrates understanding of characterization presented in a novel.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

Materials and Technology:

  • Character List and notes from novel
  • Copy of novel
  • Laptops, projector, multimedia program, whiteboard
  • Video Camera (Optional)

References

Contributors: