Book reports often become tedious and boring, even if the child enjoyed the story. Third graders can be encouraged to become more excited about book reports by allowing them to be more creative. Allow students to select a container for their book report such as a bag, an envelope or a cereal box. Students may decorate the containers according to the theme of the book and then fill the containers with answers to questions from the teacher that relate to general content and some that require a little more thought from the student. Include five items that are related to the story. For example, if the main character loved chocolate, the student could place a chocolate bar in the container. The students then present the report to the class. The presentation should include how the decorated container relates to the story and an example of how each story-related item was used or mentioned in the book.
Instead of asking students to report on what they've read, ask each student to write a review for the book. You can ask them to rate it based on a five-star system or simply a "thumbs up or down" review. The students should relate the plot, indicating why the author warrants the rating or review given, and also point out positives and negatives, no matter what the review. This encourages third-graders to read critically and pay attention to the elements of a story.
In third grade, students are learning about the elements of a book in terms of setting, plot and characterization. An alternative to typical character diagrams is to have the students conduct a character interview. Students compose about five to ten questions to ask a main character in the book. These questions can be chosen by the teacher, but it's more fun if the students select their own. The students then answer the questions as the character. The answers should provide information that relates to the story and shows that the student has read the entire book.
Third-graders enjoy comics, and although they are moving into more complex reading material they remember reading picture books in previous grades. Have them illustrate the story as a comic book or a picture book for younger readers based on the book read instead of writing a standard book report. Provide materials such as binders, Bristol board or cardboard for covers and bind the books with yarn or rings. Picture books can be shared with younger grades in the school.