FIND IT FUND IT FLORIDA
Books Come to Life: A Living Literature Project

- School:
- Estates Elementary
- Subject:
- Language Arts
- Teacher:
- Ashley Graham
- Students Impacted:
- 60
- Grade:
- 5
- Date:
- August 2, 2025
0% Funded
Only $600.00 Needed
Goal
a) The purpose of Books Come to Life is to increase student engagement in reading, comprehension, and expression by transforming literature into hands-on, performance-based experiences. Many of my students—especially ELL and ESE learners—need creative, multimodal ways to demonstrate understanding. This project addresses the need for differentiated instruction, equitable access to materials, and activities that allow all students to feel confident and connected to texts.
b) This project supports deep engagement with grade-level literary texts by addressing multiple Florida B.E.S.T. ELA standards in an integrated, student-centered format. Students will analyze how story elements—such as setting, conflict, and characterization—develop the plot (ELA.5.R.1.1), explain how themes emerge and evolve across a text (ELA.5.R.1.2), and describe character perspective and development (ELA.5.R.1.3). As students respond through dramatic performance, visual storytelling, or creative writing, they will apply narrative techniques, organizational structures, elaboration, and varied transitions to enhance clarity and meaning (ELA.5.C.1.2, ELA.5.C.1.4). Oral presentation of student work builds speaking and listening skills aligned to ELA.5.C.2.1, while rehearsing and presenting scenes aloud supports fluency, prosody, and expression (ELA.5.F.1.4). By combining literary analysis with creative expression, this project allows students to demonstrate mastery of standards in authentic and engaging ways.
What will be done with my students
a) After reading a shared novel or paired texts, students will select from a menu of engaging response projects that reflect their comprehension and creativity.
Choices include:
-Dramatic interpretations (acting out scenes, creating puppet shows, choreographing a movement piece)
-Creative writing extensions (writing an alternate ending, a new chapter, or a character diary entry)
-Visual projects (dioramas, comic strips, posters showing key themes or events)
-Interactive games (designing a board game based on the plot, theme, or characters)
-Book tasting event (genre exploration where students promote books to classmates)
All student projects will be showcased in a “Books Come to Life” classroom gallery or performance.
b) This project addresses the diverse learning needs in my classroom by offering multiple entry points for students to engage with literature. It supports ELLs through oral expression, visual planning, and kinesthetic creation. It provides an inclusive way for struggling readers to show understanding through art or performance. It aligns with current curriculum and is designed to be integrated into future ELA units, making it a lasting and flexible classroom resource.
Benefits to my students
a) Students will develop a deeper understanding of how characters, setting, and conflict work together to shape a story, and how themes are introduced and developed throughout a text. Through performance and project-based responses, they will strengthen their reading fluency, expression, and oral communication skills by practicing how to speak confidently and with purpose. Their writing will also improve as they learn to organize their ideas, use elaboration, and apply transitions in both creative and informative pieces. This project is especially beneficial for students who may struggle with traditional assessments, as it provides multiple, engaging ways to demonstrate learning—building motivation, ownership, and pride in their academic growth.
b) Student growth and engagement will be measured through:
-Standards-based rubrics for written, oral, and visual responses
-Student self-reflection and goal setting
-Peer feedback during project presentations
-Teacher observation of collaboration, fluency, and effort
-Increased participation from ELL/ESE students during presentations and group work
If my request is funded, then my students will be able to analyze literature through creative projects that match their strengths, build oral and written communication skills, and proudly share their work with an authentic audience.
Budget Narrative
Grant funds will be used to purchase reusable, non-capital materials that support a wide range of project options and learning styles. These supplies will ensure that all students have what they need to bring literature to life—whether through performance, writing, or visual design. Funds will directly support student comprehension, engagement, and creativity.
These materials will impact 60+ students this school year and will be stored and reused annually, making the investment long-lasting and cost-effective.
Items
# | Item | Cost |
---|---|---|
1 | Costumes & Small Props | $200.00 |
2 | Visual Art Supplies | $150.00 |
3 | Backdrop Materials | $100.00 |
4 | Project Printing & Folders | $50.00 |
5 | Game Creation Supplies | $50.00 |
6 | "Book Tasting" Materials | $50.00 |
Total: | $600.00 |
0% Funded
Only $600.00 Needed
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