Book Reports

Dear Parents,

        Each year my third grade students are required to do three book reports throughout the year.  The second, third, and fourth grading periods I will assign a particular type of report I want the children to do:

2nd  quarter:  Popcorn Bag Book Report

3rd quarter: Cereal Box Book Report

4^th  quarter: Biography Report (dress as your person with a prop)

        Each report will consist of: reading an entire book that is appropriate for your child’s reading level, (in order to find a book on your child's reading level, read through a little of the book with them, and if they are really having trouble with the words pick another book until you come to one where they can read most if not all of the words on their own; please no picture books)(PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS), completing the report following the rubric guidelines and presenting to the class before the end of the grading period.  Their grade will be entered at the end of each quarter.  No excuses for not having a book report finished in nine weeks!

        Please help your child pick a book at his or her reading level.  Whether your child is reading at a second grade level or fourth grade level, there are many books to choose from.  Their book may come from my room library, the school library or the public library, or from home.

        These book reports and projects are meant to be fun, non-stressful experiences for families.  I understand that to some degree your child may need your assistance with the project part, but for the most part I’d like this to be their responsibility.  At the beginning of each grading period I will send home an explanation of the required book report, rubric and any materials I may be supplying.  Please get with me if you have any questions!  Let’s get exited to read and create some spectacular reports!

**Sincerely,

Mrs. Fields

Student Materials: White lunch bag ( teacher supplied)

                                          Crayons or colored pencils

                                          Popcorn (teacher supplied)

                                          Written report summary

Procedure: Each student will read any genre of a fiction book. (fiction, historical fiction, mystery, fairytale, poetry, comic, adventure…….)  On the white paper lunch bag students will boldly write the title, author and illustrator and create a new book cover design or illustrate your favorite scene from the book.  On the other side of the lunch bag glue down the completed book report summary.  Be sure to carefully and correctly fill out the report form. 

On the day of presentations students will open their popcorn bag book reports and I will fill them with popcorn and enjoy our classmates’ presentations.  Please send a drink with your child to have with the popcorn.  Please contact me with any questions!

Popcorn Bag Rubric

Due Date:________________________

Front of Bag:

          Title- (underlined & correctly capitalized)           10 pts.

            Author/Illustrated- (correct capitalization)          10 pts.

            Picture- (neatly colored book cover or scene)     10 pts.

Back of Bag:

            Book report summary                                             40 pts.

            Proper capitalization & punctuation                      10 pts.

            Spelling                                                                   10 pts

Presentation:

             Volume/Speed                                                         5 pts.

             Fluency                                                                    5 pts.

                                                                       Total:

Comments:

A Non-fiction Book Report

     This book report is made from a cereal box.  You will read a non-fiction book and present your information and cereal box in front of the class.   

     After you have read your book you will take an empty cereal box and cut it down the middle to the bottom of the box. * Leave a header at the top for the title. (I will have an example in the classroom.) Please have an adult help you with the cutting.  The entire outside of your box will need to be covered and designed to go along with your book.  On the inside you will glue pictures that you have drawn or cut out that relate to your book’s topic.  You will need to write “fact captions” for the pictures that you have chosen to share with the class.

     Follow the attached rubric to ensure you get all possible points.  Please contact me with any questions!

Cereal Box Rubric

Due Date:________

I.            The Cereal Box

1.       Cover the entire box &

      design the front………………………………….10 pts

2.       Title on front (written correctly)… 5 pts.

3.       Author listed…………………………………………5 pts.

4.       At least 10 interesting “fact captions”

       glued to inside flaps and back………20 pts.

5.       Pictures for each “fact caption”…….20 pts.

6.       Neatness:

           mounting………………………………………..5 pts.

           cutting…………………………………………….5 pts.

II.        Presentation

1.       Volume & speed……………………………………………5 pts.

2.       Fluency………………………………………………………….5 pts.

3.       At least 10 facts orally presented…….20 pts.

                                      Total:       pts.

Comments- 

       Your book report will be a biography on a person from the past or present.  When you present your person you will dress like your person and have at least one prop to go with it.  For Example:  If you chose Ben Franklin you would dress like him and bring in a lightning rod or kite for your prop.  You can make your prop if needed.

       Your written report must be filled out and turned in when presenting.  You will also do a timeline with important life events for your person.  You can use your timeline to make your note cards.  When your present your person to the class you will speak in first person and use your note cards.

       If you follow the rubric you will do well and receive a high score.  This grade will be added to the grade book at the end of the quarter.  I have included the written report form, paper for the timeline, note cards, and a list of possible choices.  You may have someone else in mind, just check with me.  Please return the parent signature and chosen person form as soon as possible.  Remember you have 9 weeks to put this together.  If you or your parents have any questions come see me.

Biography Written Report:

Title:_________________________________________________________

Author:______________________________________________________

Name of Person:____________________________________________________

Early childhood:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Due Date:________________

I.        Brought in parent signature/chosen

              book slip……………………    6pts.

II.     Written Report

1.   includes early childhood…………20 pts.

                    young adult………  20 pts.

                    adult ……………… 20 pts.

2.   Three written paragraphs……....5 pts.

3.   Spelling…………………………… 3 pts.

4.   Capitals & Punctuation………….3 pts.

5.   Neatly written or typed………….3 pts.

III.     Completed Life Timeline…20 pts.

                                                          Total:  100 pts.

IV.   Presentation

1.   Fluency & Volume Control………..10 pts.

2.   Note cards to read from……………30 pts.

3.   Costume………………………………50 pts.

4.   Prop……………………………………10 pts.

                                                               Total:  100pts.

I have read the Biography Book Report assignment with my child __________________.  He/she will be doing a biography on________________________________

Date:________ Parent Signature:_________________________