Many classic stories for children have more than one version. For example, the story of Cinderella has been told many different ways in many different cultures. Students can compare and contrast two very different versions of the story, discussing characters, plot and setting. Or allow students to choose a favorite fable or fairy tale and attempt to find two or three different versions of this story. The students can then present these versions to the class and brainstorm ways the stories were similar and the ways they were different.
Many fifth-graders who are avid readers may already have a favorite author, such as JK Rowling or Suzanne Collins. Have each student pick a favorite author and learn as much about the author and the author's books as possible. Allow students to give a creative presentation on their chosen author to the rest of the class. For example, students can prepare a poster, write a short play or perform a song. Along with their creative presentation, students must also prepare a short written report about their chosen author's life and books.
For this research topic, assign two students to read the same book. Choose a classic book that is appropriate for fifth-graders, such as "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell or "The Secret Garden" by Francis Hodgson Burnett. After the students have had a chance to read the book, assign each student the role of Fact Finder or Opinion Former. The fact finder will report the names of the characters in the book, as well as the setting and the main plot points. The opinion former will create a response to literature that includes her opinion of the book, her favorite characters and her favorite scenes. Have the two students work together to present their research project to the class.
This topic will reinforce children's reading skills and provide them with valuable public speaking practice. Have students choose a favorite children's picture-book author, such as Eric Carle or Maurice Sendak. Arrange for the students to visit a kindergarten or first-grade classroom and read three books by these authors to the younger children. After reading all three, the fifth-graders must then conduct a survey to determine the younger children's favorite books by these authors. Once they have determined a favorite, the fifth-graders will give a creative presentation to the rest of their class about this author and the book. This presentation can include a dramatic reading of the book as well as some facts about the author, a rap or an artistic representation of the illustration style of the book.