Lesson Plan #6

 No More Boring Book Reports 

Duration:   One week

Objectives:  

Materials: 

Books Paper bags (large to lunch-size) 

Decorative items for the bag (markers, stickers, etc.)

Better Book Reports 25 Ideas

Procedures:  

1. The class reads a book together and the teacher demonstrates a sample paper bag book report. (This is optional--more appropriate for younger or lower functioning students.)


2. Each student chooses and reads a book independently, with teacher approval. (This can be modified if students are very low functioning--peer tutor or teacher reads book to them.)


3. Students analyze their books' characters, plots, themes, etc.


4. Students devise written plans for their bag book reports, detailing five to seven items for the inside as well as creating layouts for the outside of the bag. (The teacher may want to require title, author, and publisher on the front; an internal conflict on the left side; an external conflict on the right side; or a favorite scene on the back, for example.)


5. Provide time in class for students to complete their book report projects so they can see others working and have guided practice at fulfilling the promise of their written plans.


6. Students present their projects, in detail, to the class - first explaining the outside of their bags and then explaining each of the items inside. (Questions from the class come naturally and should be encouraged.)


7. Students can assess each other using a teacher-devised scoring rubric for both the bag and the presentation.

Assessment:

Peer assessment of oral presentation; guided self-assessment of bag (inside and out) using a teacher-devised checklist/ scoring rubric; teacher assessment using checklist (The weight of peer evaluations, self-evaluation, and teacher evaluation will vary with student needs and grade level.)

Home Learning: 

Allow students to write about the items in their paper bags, and/or about the book they read. Why did the select the book? Why did they select the items? What was their favorite part of the book?

Extension Activity:

Students can put their presentation into a KidPix Presentation or Power Point slide show.