Activity Overview
Movie posters are a fun way for students to boil down the most important aspects of a novel. After reading Underground to Canada, students will create a movie poster that showcases the setting, characters and a chosen scene or overarching themes of the story. Students can include the title and author of the book, a catchy tagline, and a "critic's review" informing the audience why they should go to see the movie and briefly describing the compelling story.
To make this a class assignment, consider giving each student a different chapter or scene to focus on. When students complete their posters, they can be printed out and hung in the classroom. Students should be prepared to present on the choices they made during the creation process.
For additional templates to add to this assignment, check out our movie poster templates!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a "Movie Poster" for the book Underground to Canada.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify scenes, characters, items and /or animals appropriate to Underground to Canada and arrange them artfully on the poster. You may choose to showcase a particular scene in the book or an overarching theme.
- Add the title and author of the book as well as a catchy slogan or tagline.
- Add a "critic's review": one to three sentences describing why the audience should see this movie and what is compelling about the story.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Includes Title, Author, catchy slogan and a 1-3 sentence critic's review that accurately describes the story and why people should go to see the movie. | Missing one element of text. | Missing two or more elements of text. |
| Illustrations | Illustrations depict a scene or theme of the story with clear visuals including an appropriate scene, character, items, etc. | Illustrations depict a scene or theme from the story but are unclear or incomplete. | Illustrations do not depict a scene or theme from the story. |
Activity Overview
Movie posters are a fun way for students to boil down the most important aspects of a novel. After reading Underground to Canada, students will create a movie poster that showcases the setting, characters and a chosen scene or overarching themes of the story. Students can include the title and author of the book, a catchy tagline, and a "critic's review" informing the audience why they should go to see the movie and briefly describing the compelling story.
To make this a class assignment, consider giving each student a different chapter or scene to focus on. When students complete their posters, they can be printed out and hung in the classroom. Students should be prepared to present on the choices they made during the creation process.
For additional templates to add to this assignment, check out our movie poster templates!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a "Movie Poster" for the book Underground to Canada.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify scenes, characters, items and /or animals appropriate to Underground to Canada and arrange them artfully on the poster. You may choose to showcase a particular scene in the book or an overarching theme.
- Add the title and author of the book as well as a catchy slogan or tagline.
- Add a "critic's review": one to three sentences describing why the audience should see this movie and what is compelling about the story.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Includes Title, Author, catchy slogan and a 1-3 sentence critic's review that accurately describes the story and why people should go to see the movie. | Missing one element of text. | Missing two or more elements of text. |
| Illustrations | Illustrations depict a scene or theme of the story with clear visuals including an appropriate scene, character, items, etc. | Illustrations depict a scene or theme from the story but are unclear or incomplete. | Illustrations do not depict a scene or theme from the story. |
How Tos about Underground to Canada: Create a Movie Poster
How to Facilitate a Peer Review Session for Student Movie Posters
Encourage collaboration by organizing a peer review where students give each other feedback on their movie posters. This builds critical thinking and communication skills while helping students refine their work before presenting.
Set clear expectations for constructive feedback
Model and discuss what helpful feedback looks like, focusing on both positive comments and specific suggestions for improvement. This ensures students are respectful and purposeful in their reviews.
Pair or group students to exchange posters
Assign partners or small groups so every student has an audience for their work. Varied perspectives help students see their posters through different eyes.
Guide students to use a feedback checklist
Provide a simple checklist with prompts like: Did the poster include a compelling scene? Is the tagline engaging? Structured tools help students stay focused and give meaningful input.
Allow time for students to revise based on feedback
Give students a chance to update their posters after the review. This step empowers students to take ownership of their learning and produce their best work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Underground to Canada: Create a Movie Poster
How can I create a movie poster project for 'Underground to Canada' with my students?
To create a movie poster project for 'Underground to Canada,' have students read the novel, then design posters that highlight key settings, characters, and themes. Encourage them to include the book’s title, author, a catchy tagline, and a short 'critic's review.' Assign each student a different scene or chapter for variety, and let them present their posters to the class.
What are some creative ideas for an 'Underground to Canada' book poster assignment?
Creative ideas include focusing on pivotal scenes, using quotes as taglines, adding symbolic imagery, or designing posters from a character’s perspective. Students can also incorporate a short review and choose unique color schemes or fonts to reflect the novel’s tone.
What elements should students include in an 'Underground to Canada' movie poster?
Students should include the book’s title and author, main characters, a memorable scene or theme, a catchy slogan or tagline, and a brief 'critic’s review.' Visual elements like imagery relevant to the story and creative layouts can make the poster stand out.
How do I assess a movie poster assignment for middle school literature?
Assess posters based on creativity, accuracy in depicting the story, inclusion of required elements (title, author, tagline, review), and the student’s explanation of design choices. Consider using a rubric to ensure fairness and clarity.
Where can I find templates for student movie poster projects?
You can find movie poster templates online through educational resource sites or by searching for free classroom templates. Some lesson platforms offer customizable poster formats to help students get started quickly.
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