The Art of Racing in the Rain
Written by: Garth Stein
Designed by: Becky Soderberg
The Art of Racing in the Rain tells a thought-provoking story showcasing love, loyalty and the trials of human life. The book is narrated by a dog named Enzo who cannot properly communicate his thoughts to his family. He is a dog, after all. So, Enzo decides to write this story where he leads readers through his family's life and tells us his philosophical beliefs on humanity. Stein crafts a touching story for all to read and enjoy.
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Part One: Written Response
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this assignment is for students to consider new points of view in text. Building on their prior knowledge of creative writing, points of view, and story structure, students will practice putting themselves in a character’s mind. They will write their own creative piece directed from one character in the book to another. This assignment will help students to think beyond the written text and reflect on why it truly matters. |
Common Core Standards
**Click on link to see standard** CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.6 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1.D CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3 |
Prompt
At the end of the story, Enzo is reincarnated into a young child. He sees Denny, his former owner as a dog, who is now a Formula One champion. This week's writing assignment is for you to imagine being the new, reincarnated Enzo.
Your job will be to write a 2 to 3-page letter, poem, or story from Enzo addressed to Denny. Use your knowledge on creative writing, perspective taking, and author’s voice. Imagine that child Enzo will give this writing to Denny when they meet for the first time. You have the ultimate control over this assignment; the only requirement is that you must write something that is two to three pages long from Enzo’s perspective, and that it must be addressed to Denny. Have fun with this! I am excited to read your responses. An example mentor text is attached for you to reference.
At the end of the story, Enzo is reincarnated into a young child. He sees Denny, his former owner as a dog, who is now a Formula One champion. This week's writing assignment is for you to imagine being the new, reincarnated Enzo.
Your job will be to write a 2 to 3-page letter, poem, or story from Enzo addressed to Denny. Use your knowledge on creative writing, perspective taking, and author’s voice. Imagine that child Enzo will give this writing to Denny when they meet for the first time. You have the ultimate control over this assignment; the only requirement is that you must write something that is two to three pages long from Enzo’s perspective, and that it must be addressed to Denny. Have fun with this! I am excited to read your responses. An example mentor text is attached for you to reference.
Part Two: Podcasting
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this assignment is to deepen students' understandings of their characters and to predict would could happen outside of textual evidence and dialogue. Students will create a podcast in which an interview occurs with a character from the book. |
Common Core Standards:
**Click on link to see standard** CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.6 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3.B CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3.C |
Prompt
Create a podcast in which a character from The Art of Racing in the Rain is interviewed by someone. Think about how you can add a different perspective to the novel, an alternate ending, etc. The options are endless, so have fun with it!
Create a podcast in which a character from The Art of Racing in the Rain is interviewed by someone. Think about how you can add a different perspective to the novel, an alternate ending, etc. The options are endless, so have fun with it!
Part Three: Digital Storytelling
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this assignment is to introduce students to digital storytelling while enhancing their ability to think philosophically and metaphorically.
Common Core Standards
**Click on link to see standard**
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3.B
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3.D
Prompt
In The Art of Racing in the Rain, many metaphors about racing in relation to life and philosophy are mentioned. Create a digital story that covers one aspect of philosophy or metaphors that Garth Stein includes at any point in the novel. Push yourselves to think of different ways to examine metaphors and philosophy in a creative, productive way.
Part Four: Infographic
Purpose Statement
Create an infographic that utilizes research to enhance understanding of racing terminology, racing drivers, or any comment made on driving throughout the novel. Common Core Standards **Click on link to see standard** CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.7 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.A CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.4 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.6 |
Prompt The Art of Racing in the Rain contains numerous references to race cars and driving. Your job is to research one aspect of racing (terminology, cars, drivers, etc.) and then create a visually appealing and informative infographic. Please cite the evidence you find with the URLs you find your information from in some part of your infographic. |