Is this homework? Yes! Students complete the written reports and props at home and then present their report orally at school. Book reports are due the second Tuesday of each full month of the year and the score is reflected on your child's report card. There will be six reports due throughout the year.
Do I read a book from home or school? Books may come from home or school. Your child is encouraged each week during library time to check out a book for the upcoming book report. We encourage students to read books that are Accelerated Reader books (AR books are books which have comprehension tests available on the computers at school.)
May I help my child? Yes! It is fine to help guide your child work through the process, especially at the beginning of the year. By having your child dictate to you what he/she wants to write, you can gently guide your child in the right direction. Please do not do the report for your child, however. The goal, of course, is to have your child complete his/her report independently.
As for the prop, this is a fun way to be involved with your child. Many students have used this as a family activity.
How is my child graded? Your child will be graded using the school district's scoring guide. He/she will be scored on theideas and content of their report (in other words, is there "meat"... Does it stay on topic? is it obvious that he/she read the entire book?); organization (Does flow sequentially? Does it have a beginning, middle and an end?); language (Is there a variety of sentence lengths, proper grammar and are the words used interesting to the listener?); and finally, delivery (eye contact with the audience, speaking clearly, good voice level, tone and rate of speed, and limiting the use of verbal fillers (...umm....and...)
How long does this take? Your child has a month (and many times two months) to do his/her report. There is no surprise when it is due (the last Tuesday of each full month) so please don't let your child procrastinate. When he/she does, it shows. The amount of time taken varies on the length and complexity of the book and the prop. By working on the reading and/or prop a little each day or two, your child should not be stressed when the report is due.
Does my child have to do an oral report? Yes. Your child receives a "Speaking" grade on his/her report card. The book reports provide practice that will help him/her become confident speakers.
My child is shy. Can he/she skip the oral presentation? Sorry, no. .Having grown up painfully shy, I know it would be detrimental to your child to skip the oral part. In third grade, we are all friends and don't judge each other. In Middle School, High School, and in College, your child will be expected to make presentations in front of class weekly/monthly depending on the class. Then, they will be feeling the eyes/presence of their peers in a different way. The first report is often terrifying for your child at the beginning. After the report is finished, your child will let out a sigh of relief and realize that he/she did not die. That knowledge will make each book report in the future easier. By the end of the year, speaking in front of the class will be a piece of cake!