Types of Elementary School Book Reports
In the elementary school years, starting from grade one through six, students will learn how to write book reports on both fiction and non-fiction. Teachers will find that some students find this prospect new and exciting whereas other students might not. To keep every student enthusiastic about reading and writing book reports, there are many formats that teachers can use. Book reports don’t always consist of boring white pages filled with words; they can be creative and entertaining for the entire classroom.
Other People Are Reading
-
Puppet Show
-
Give each student a form with five sections for them to fill out. This includes setting, characters, problem or conflict, the main events of the story and conclusion. After this is completed, split the classroom into small groups of three or four. Take time in class to have each group discuss one or two parts of the story that interested them the most. After each group has brainstormed, have them construct character puppets out of brown paper bags and construction paper. At the end of the project have each group present a puppet to reveal to the class what parts of the story entertained or interested them the most. This type of book report is ideal for grades one through five.
Book Jacket
-
Split students into groups and have each group discuss the setting, characters, problem or conflict, the main events and conclusion. Have each group express what parts of the story they enjoyed, who their favorite characters are or what they disliked. The discussion ensures that students are familiar with the chain of events and will get their creative juices flowing. After class discussion, give each student a blank book jacket made from construction paper. Pass out markers and crayons and instruct students to make their own book jacket that pertains to the story, including characters or events. On the inside of the book jacket have each student write a summary of the story. After grading each student's work, help students put the book jacket on the school book of their choice.
-
Character Letters
-
After discussing the setting, characters and main events of the story, pair students together. Have each pair quietly discuss their likes and dislikes of the story and who their favorite characters were. Then have each student choose one character that they would like to be. For homework have students write a letter to their partner, writing from one character to another. This letter can be imaginative and entertaining, but should also include factual details of the story.
-
