Book reports are a common gauge used to see if a student understands and has a good grasp of the material he or she read in a book. Book reports can also be a good steppingstone for students who will be expected to write or present in depth reports on other topics in the future.
So how does a homeschooling parent persuade a reluctant child to read a book and complete a report on it? Children like to be creative and this can be the key when teaching them how to write an all inclusive book report or prepare a presentation based on a piece of literature.
Alternative Book Report Formats
Sitting the student in front of a blank notebook can be intimidating. Instead, try one of these creative book report formats. These are not only creative but they are fun, and if completed properly they encompass all the information of a conventional book report.
- Create a fictional newspaper about the book. Include short stories and images from within the book that speak to plot, characters and setting. Encourage students to include a review article that tells whether they liked or disliked the book and why.
- Write and star in a skit about the book. Be sure to tell the full story and play the role of a narrator as well as the main character. By adding the role of a narrator it is possible to set the scene and plot of the book as well as add dimension to the skit.
- Design new front and back covers for the book. Draw the images and include a write up about the book on the back cover. Make sure to include the author's name on the front cover.
- Using a camcorder, create a movie about the book. Friends can be cast as characters and sets can be constructed using household furnishings and supplies.
- Make a passport for the main character in the book. Create and keep a travel log of the character's trips and locations portrayed in the book. Be sure to address setting, plot and other significant characters.
Important Ideas to Include
There is some information that should be covered in every book report. Homeschooling parents may wish to offer an outline before their child begins to write the report. Be sure to include:
- The key settings
- Main characters
- The plot
- A brief retelling of the story
- One or two key passages from the story
Overall, book reports can be used to gauge a child’s reading comprehension, ability to identify key information and reading level. They are a great way to introduce students to report writing from an early grade level since they can be as simple or in depth as their age or grade allows.
Some other great Suite 101 articles on this topic include President's Day Writing Prompts and Fostering a Love of Reading
Karrie Emms - As a single mother of two beautiful children, Colton (11) and Jesslynn (9) Karrie has a passion for writing that began at the tender age ...
