Making Independent Reading and Book Reports Motivating
Here are some exciting ideas to get your students motivated to read independently.
By Wendy Haagenson
When I first tell students they will be expected to complete a book report in my class, I usually hear a collective moan, and I don’t blame them for this response. At their worst, traditional book reports can be mundane and repetitive. However, independent reading is very important and should be a part of every language arts curriculum. Here are a few ideas that put a new twist on the book report format, and can help you encourage your students to read on their own.
Encouraging Students to Engage in Book Clubs
If you allow students to get together with friends and discuss a book, they’re more likely to be excited about reading. One way to do this is to set up book clubs or literature circles in which students complete a reading assignment at home and meet with a group during class. Book clubs can be rather informal, and allow students to carry on a conversation about anything related to the book they are reading. If you prefer something more structured, however, you might choose to use literature circles in which each student is assigned a role. I’ve also worked in a classroom in which students, instead of writing up a book report, create a review for the book they just finished. In the review each student shares a short summary with their classmates (no spoiling the ending allowed!) and either recommends or doesn’t recommend the book to others. As an extension, students could post their book reviews online.
Using the Accelerated Reader Program
I’ve noticed that I can give students practically any assignment, and if it involves using a computer, they are more motivated to complete the work. In fact, I heard students enthusiastically talking about using the computer software Accelerated Reader (AR) before I even knew what it was. When I discovered that students using the AR program were excited about taking comprehension quizzes about books they had read independently, I was slightly perplexed. I eventually realized that the reason students love the AR program so much isn't about the types of activities they engage , it is about the way they complete assignments. Having students use computers makes all the difference!
Have Students Design an Exhibit for a Wax Museum
If you’re interested in a creative way for students to demonstrate their book knowledge, I’d recommend having your students design an exhibit for a wax museum. This idea works especially well for biographies and autobiographies. When students have finished a book, they can write a speech from the perspective of the main character, dress as the character, and sit very still in a “wax museum” waiting for someone to walk by so can share their life story. Not only do students get to actively show that they understood what they read, they also get to practice their public speaking skills.
Celebrate Reading with a Read In
One of my favorite memories from elementary school was a “read in” my teacher planned in the third grade. We were invited to come to school in our pajamas with a favorite stuffed animal or cozy blanket and plenty of books. We had free reign of the classroom and were allowed to find our own space and read - all day long. For me, this was the ideal school day!
You can also offer incentives for reading. Some teachers hold a raffle in which students are given tickets for each book read or will host a party for all the students who meet a certain reading goal. Regardless, if you celebrate reading and make it something special, your students will be sure to take notice. What follows are some lesson plans that encourage your students to read independently.
Independent Reading and Book Report Lessons:
How Do Reading Partnerships Work?
Students meet with a reading partner who has similar interests to discuss a book.
This project gives students a choice in how they demonstrate understanding of their independent reading.
As a class, students raise money to buy a family in need an animal. Students set individual reading goals and collect pledges from friends and family.
This idea combines a book club with technology. Students have an online pen pal who they discuss books with.