How to Make a Diorama for a Book Report

Leaf through magazines for pictures to add to your diorama.

Let's face it: Presenting a book report can be pretty boring--but it doesn't have to be. Instead of simply going to the front of the classroom and reading aloud about the book you read, offer your classmates some visual stimulation as well. Consider making a diorama that captures a scene or concept described in the book that will help your classmates get a better idea of what you are trying to convey about the book. This gives the more creatively inclined an opportunity to show off their creativity.

Things You'll Need

• Shoebox
• Paint
• Construction paper
• Clay
• Pipe cleaners
• Magazine clippings
• Glue
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Pick a scene or concept out of the book you read that you think would be good to recreate for your diorama. You might want to pick something that sums up the book, or a scene from the most important part of the book. Choosing the scene is very important.

2. Make a list of some of the most important elements of that scene. List the characters in the scene, and make notes about the setting and the action that is taking place in the scene.

3. Draw a sketch of the scene you are trying to create. This will help you decide what to put in your diorama.

4. Turn an empty shoe box on its side.

5. Paint the inside of the shoebox to create your background, or glue construction paper to cover the inside of the box.

6. Create the materials for the scene in your diorama. You can cut out magazine clippings for pictures to fit in the box, or sculpt figures out of clay. You could even cut out shapes from construction paper to create the people and things within your diorama.

7. Arrange your materials inside your diorama and glue into place.

Tips & Warnings

• To protect your diorama from being damaged, cover it with a layer of clear plastic wrap and tape it into place.

• Make sure it is glued securely so that the objects do not fall over.