Herkimer Central School District sixth-graders recently developed “Book Bentos” featuring five items that represented major plot points, themes or characters from a novel they read.
Herkimer sixth grade English language arts teacher Cheryl Jory and Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School library media specialist Brianne Bello collaborated on the project, which started with students selecting a novel based on their personal interests.
“This year, students used a combination of mediums for their ‘Book Bento’ items – including drawings or handmade items, items brought in from home, dioramas of their items or curated digital slides,” Bello said. “Once they were complete, the ‘Book Bentos’ were displayed in the library for students and staff to view.”
The project was designed to be a creative way for students to showcase their independent reading books. Students followed a timeline for their individual books – including when pages needed to be read and when items for the “Book Bentos” needed to be chosen. Students also rated their books using a five-star scale.
Herkimer Central School District sixth-graders Gwendalyn McCutcheon and Kaylee Perri pose with their “Book Bentos” in the Herkimer Jr./Sr. Library Media Center.
Herkimer Central School District sixth-grader Scott Parmon poses with his “Book Bento” in the Herkimer Jr./Sr. Library Media Center.
Herkimer Central School District sixth-grader Aria Luck poses with her “Book Bento” in the Herkimer Jr./Sr. Library Media Center.
Herkimer Central School District sixth-grader Bryce Gargas poses with his “Book Bento” in the Herkimer Jr./Sr. Library Media Center.
Herkimer Central School District sixth-grader Aldin Covic poses with his “Book Bento” in the Herkimer Jr./Sr. Library Media Center.