Book Reports...

[AudreyTN]

When do you start requiring book reports? How many do you require over what time period?

I have a 3rd grader and 2nd grader who are both excellent readers.

[Pongo]

I start in 3rd. My kiddos LOVED and still love the "Paper Bag Report". It was a wonderful introduction to a more formal report I now require from my 5th grader. I require 6 a year (every other month).

Paper Bag Book Report Directions (http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/teachers/mdabbott/pdfs/580/Paper_Bag_Book_Report.pdf)

Paper Bag Form (http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:BDupSzNztsEJ:www.drregional.org/drregional/ServeResource/paper%2520bag%2520book%2520report%25202.doc%3Fuid% 3D133%26group%3DPaper%2520bag%2520Book%2520Report% 26+paper+bag+book+report&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us&client=firefox-a)

Paper Bag Pic. Samples (http://www.germantownacademy.org/academics/ls/3/BookReports/PaperBag03/index.htm)

Good Luck!

[angela in ohio]

I start in third grade and do very defined reports. I have the form posted on my blog: Book Reports (http://www.wallsofbooks.com/2007/06/book-report-form.html)

In fifth grade, I start using a different format, but this works very well for third and fourth. :)

[AudreyTN]

Thanks to you both! Great ideas!

What kind of writing ability do you expect them to have? Do you "grade" it on grammar, spelling and such or just for the comprehension?

I don't want them to hate reading because they dread a report. KWIM?

[Ellie]

I never required book reports. Didn't see a reason for 'em.

However, my friend Beverly Schmitt, owner of Preston Speed, designed some book report forms that are *marvelous.* If I were hsing again, I might even consider using them. Check them out on the Love to Learn Place (http://www.lovetolearnplace.com).

[Alana in Canada]

Thanks for the links. I saved what I needed--and then realised I already had them!

I am having the kids do one a week for now--we'll see if we can continue the pace!

However, as we've just started this, I'm having them do them below grade level and with very simple picture books--the idea is to get used to the form and structure first before moving into grade level books and forms. At least, I hope it works out that way!


hth.

[AudreyTN]

I never required book reports. Didn't see a reason for 'em.

However, my friend Beverly Schmitt, owner of Preston Speed, designed some book report forms that are *marvelous.* If I were hsing again, I might even consider using them. Check them out on the Love to Learn Place (http://www.lovetolearnplace.com).

Marvelous doesn't even BEGIN to describe these pages... thanks so much!

[AudreyTN]

However, as we've just started this, I'm having them do them below grade level and with very simple picture books--the idea is to get used to the form and structure first before moving into grade level books and forms. At least, I hope it works out that way!


Makes sense... I was looking at the 3rd grade reports at the link above and I thought that for the first few I'd have my dd whiz through the 2nd grade forms.

[Alana in Canada]

Yep, that's exactly what I thought when I saw them, too. They are wonderful, aren't they?

[sweetbaby]

My dc complete written narrations on each book read during the course of the year. However, I use a book report printable here (http://www.busyteacherscafe.com/) as a guideline for what I would like them to include in their narrations such as title, author, setting, characters, etc. When they began this last year, each child formerly used the book report printable but in 4th grade, each child eased into written narration while using the same printable as a guideline only.

[jennyt]

Hi Ellie,

Thank you so much for the Love to Learn Place link - I've been feeling like my dd in grade 4 is just not understanding what a book report is, so I'm going to get her and her younger sister to go through all the material together. I love to be able to introduce something from "grass roots" and this is a great approach.

Thanks again,

Jenny

[gratefulmother]

Veritas Press has a book called something like, Book Reports for First and Second Graders. We have enjoyed using it this year. It has book report forms and also ideas that are more like projects.

[dcjlkplus3]

I never required book reports. Didn't see a reason for 'em.

However, my friend Beverly Schmitt, owner of Preston Speed, designed some book report forms that are *marvelous.* If I were hsing again, I might even consider using them. Check them out on the Love to Learn Place (http://www.lovetolearnplace.com).

I checked these out thinking I probably wouldn't use them. My 2nd grade plan was to do narrations and/or illustrations of the story/books. I will probably do that still, but I think I will be using these as well. I really liked them.