Book Bento

After reading a text (book, chapter, short story, or essay) and have had students answer comprehension questions and discuss, return to the main themes, characters, plot, message. 

Tell students that they will create a book (or chapter or other) report using images to represent the events, people messages of what they read.

  1. Selecting a different reading or one chapter of a book, for example, model for students how to select objects that represent or symbolize the text using a table or mind map.

Example:

• Characters (list):
• Objects to represent each character (list):
• Places (list):
• Objects to symbolize each place (list):
• Major events (list):
• Objects for events (list):
• Message:
• Object(s) that will represent this message:

  2. Explain what a Bento box is, showing a picture, and help students understand that their arrangement of objects for the report will be in a similar fashion.

  3. As a class or in small groups, bring to class and arrange actual objects into a Bento Box-like arrangement. Take photos of the work.

  4. Together as a class, construct the script for the presentation, discussing word choices and grammar issues that come up.

1. Assign students or allow them to select a chapter, book, essay, or part of a book or story.  Optionally, have students work in pairs or small groups.
2. Have them list and submit a brainstorm of ideas for objects representing the people, places, events, and message of the text. They can submit this on a Word or Google Doc file for your feedback. 
3. On their own time or in class, help students with the arrangement of objects. For students lacking tech know-how, help with photos and sending the photos to you (by email or other means).
4. Have students script out their presentation, as desired, and practice. Provide feedback on content and mechanics as needed. Emphasize that the script (or notes) will not be read but are meant to help students organize their thoughts for their presentation.

Compile the photos of students' Bento book report photos into a folder or on a slideshow. As students give their presentations, use a rubric, checklist, peer review checklist, or self-evaluation form for student feedback and reflection.

If you have access to a printer, students' work can be printed out and displayed.

Through the selection of objects that respresent elements of a text and using visual literacy and design, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to determine central ideas or themes in written texts, analyze the development of the themes/ideas, and summarize a text in an oral presentation.