It is a good idea to have elementary students complete one book report each month, either from specific curriculum recommendations or librarian-aided, student-chosen guidelines provided by the teacher. Basic book reports should include characters, setting, chronological plot line including the main events in the story and the student's opinions and recommendations. Should the student's friends read this book? Why or why not?
One way to make the standard book report more interesting is by basing projects on monthly themes. For example, students would read their books, write the report or complete a book report template, then create a project to help present the book to the class. You could also occasionally bypass the written report entirely, and just complete a project (although students should also be practicing writing).
Themes can include research (nonfiction), biography, international or multicultural, mysteries, chapter books, fairy tales, dioramas, folktales, myths and legends, historical fiction and others. You can try to coordinate themes with that month's holidays, events or other aspects of the curriculum as well.
After students complete a written book report essay or template, they should complete a hands-on project to present to the class. For example, if November is a biography book report month, students could dress up as the character about which they read when they present their report. During an "international" month, students should read a story set in another country then present artifacts, food or other cultural symbols from that country.
The student can read any book of his choice, then each month he will write his book report as a letter to someone, explaining why that person should read the book. This is a creative way to encourage kids to give a short synopsis and outline, while they also learn how to adapt to different audiences and support their opinions with facts from the story. For example, in October they could write to a ghost hunter, in December they can write to Santa Claus and in January they can write to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each student can read a book on her own level and write to her own choice of audience. After writing the letters at home, students take turns reading their letters out loud in class throughout the week.
Another way to do a book talk is for the teacher to tell the class a little about the author, describe some of the main characters and provide a brief synopsis of the plot. After this brief introduction, the teacher should read an exciting, interesting or amusing passage from the chosen book. Stop reading at a crucial moment and say, "If you want to find out what happens next, you'll have to read the book!"
The last book talk idea is instead of writing a traditional book report, write a letter or postcard as if it's from a character in the story. This is a good lesson in point of view and different perspectives.
Time lines: Students can create chronological time lines of the story or, for biographies, the subject's life, using pictures and information, and contrast them with time lines for students' own lives, using photos, dates and facts.
Interviews: Students can write book reports as an interviews between themselves and the characters.
"Garbage bag" book reports are fun as well: students bring garbage bags to class full of things that symbolize their books or characters. For example, if a student reads "Little House on the Prairie," he might include a sunbonnet or a toy horse in his garbage bag. He would then explain in class the items' significance to the story.
Create a comic strip of the story, or a comic strip extending the story.
Illustrate a new book cover for the story.
Make a newspaper of the story. Include small character profiles and different news stories about different events and subplots in the story.
If classmates choose the same book to read, create a skit about the story with a partner.
There are many ways to tackle book reports about poems or books of poetry. One example is to have students practice an oral interpretive or dramatic reading of a poem from the book or act it out while a partner reads it. Make a collage poster of symbolism and literal meanings within the poem. Write original music for the poem or set the words to an existing tune, or add additional verses to a poem.