Book Report Activities

MAKE A BOOK REPORT SANDWICH!

Draw slices of ham, tomato, and Swiss cheese; lettuce leaves; a layer of mayonnaise, and a couple of slices of bread. (ham on pink, tomato on red, Swiss cheese on yellow, etc). The sheets serve as the ingredients for students' book report sandwiches.

·                       On the top slice of bread, each student wrote the title and the author of the book the student had just finished reading.

·                       On the lettuce, the student wrote a brief summary of the book.

·                       The student wrote about the main character on the tomato slice.

·                       On the mayonnaise, the student described the book's setting.

·                       The student shared the book's climax on the Swiss cheese.

·                       On the ham slice, the student described the plot.

·                       On the bottom piece of bread, the student drew a favorite scene from the story.

BOOK IN A BAG, AN ENVELOPE, AN OATMEAL BOX …After choosing and reading a book, each student selected a book report container. The container could be a plastic bag, a manila envelope, a can, or anything else that might be appropriate for a book. Students decorated their containers to convey some of the major details, elements, or themes found in the books. When the containers were complete, students went to work on the contents of their containers. They were instructed to include the following:

·                       Questions Write ten questions based on the book. Five of the questions can be about general content, but the other five must require more thinking.

·                       Vocabulary Create a ten-word glossary of unfamiliar words from the book.

·                       Things Include five things that have a connection to the story.

 Descriptive writing. Have each student read aloud the best example of descriptive prose found in the book he or she is currently reading. The student should write a paragraph explaining why the excerpt is a particularly good example of descriptive prose. The paragraph might include some of the adjectives the author used to set the scene.

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down! Each student writes a review of the book he or she just finished reading -- in the style of a movie review. The student concludes by awarding a thumbs up or thumbs down on the book. This activity could be even more fun if two students read the same book. They could plan a lively interaction, a la and Ebert and Roeper, about the book, which could be videotaped for all to see!

Character Trait Diagram. Each student creates a Double Bubble to illustrate similarities and differences in the traits of two of the main characters in a book just completed. (A student might elect to create a double bubble showing similarities and differences between the book's main character and the student!)

Write a Letter to the Author. After reading a book, each student shares reactions to the book in a letter written to its author. If a student writes to an author who is still alive, you might actually mail the letter.

Sell It! Each student pretends to be a publicist for the book that's just been read. The student writes and then delivers a 60-second speech that will persuade other students that they should read the book. Writing and speaking persuasively will be especially difficult if the student didn't like the book. If that's the case, the student can share that fact after completing the speech.

Interview a Character. Each student composes 15-20 questions to ask a main character in a book just completed. The student also writes the character's response to each question. The questions and answers should provide information that shows the student read the book without giving away the most significant details.

Ten Facts. Each student creates a "Ten Facts About [book title]" sheet that lists ten facts he or she learned from reading the book. The facts, written in complete sentences, must include details the student didn't know before reading the book.

Script It! Each student writes a movie script for a favorite scene in a book just read. At the top of the script, the student can assign real-life TV or movie stars to play each role. The student might also work with classmates to perform the favorite scene.

Concentration. Each student will need 30 index cards to create a Concentration-style game related to a book just finished. The student chooses 14 things, characters, or events that played a part in the book and creates two cards that have identical pictures of each of those things. The two remaining cards are marked Wild Card! Then the student turns all 30 cards facedown and mixes them up. Each student can choose a partner with whom to play according to the rules of Concentration.

What Did You Learn? Each student writes a summary of what he or she learned from a book just completed. The summary might include factual information, something learned about people in general, or something the student learned about himself or herself.

Glossary and Word Search. Each student creates a glossary of ten or more words that are specific to a book's tone, setting, or characters. The student defines each word and writes a sentence from the book that includes that word. Then the student creates a word search puzzle that includes the glossary words. Students can exchange their glossaries and word searches with others in the class.

In the News! Each student creates the front page of a newspaper that tells about events and characters in a book just read. The newspaper page might include weather reports, an editorial or editorial cartoon, ads, etc. The title of the newspaper should be something appropriate to the book.

Create a Comic Book. Each student can turn a book, or part of it, into a comic book, complete with comic-style illustrations and dialogue bubbles.

Characters Come to Life! Each student creates life-size "portraits" of one of the characters from a book just read. The portrait should include a written piece that tells about the character. The piece might also include information about events, traits, or conflicts in the book that involve that character. Hang the students' portraits in a class gallery.

Picture Books. After reading a book, each student creates a picture book version of the story that would appeal to younger students. The students can then share the picture books with a group of young students.

Resume Writing. As a tie-in to your career education program, challenge each student to create a resume for a book character. The student should include in the resume a statement of the applicant's goals and a detailed account of his or her experience and outside interests.

Character Trait Chart. Each student creates a chart with three columns. Each column is headed with the name of one of the book's characters. As the student reads the book, he or she can keep a record of the traits each character possesses and include an incident that supports each trait.

Theme Report. Challenge each student to select a concept or a thing from the book just finished and to use library or Internet resources to explore it further. The student then writes a two-page report that shares information about the topic.

Setting. To learn more about the setting of a book, each student writes a one-page report explaining how that setting was important to the story.

"Dear Diary." Invite each student to create a diary or journal and write at least 10 entries that might have been written by a character in a book just read. The entries should share details about the story that will prove the student read the book.

Accordian Folded Book from Sharon Brandt
1. Folded a 12 x 18 sheet of newsprint in half longwise (I call it a hot dog).
2. Open in and fold it in half widthwise(I call it a hamburger).
3. Fold it again while in the hamburger stage.
4. Open hamburger once.
5. Folded part should be by the students' stomachs.
6. Cut on the middle fold going only so slightly past the next fold.
7. Open it back to the hot dog.
8. Accordian it to make a folded book. Should have about 7-8 pages to use for a book report project. Sizes vary according the size of the paper use.

Quadraramas from Alice Pickel
Quadraramas are four triaramas put together. Triaramas are made from 9" square construction paper. fold diagonally twice. Open. There should be an X fold pattern on the paper. Cut from one corner to the middle on a fold line. Overlap the bottom triangles and glue or staple. Background should be drawn on the top two triangles before gluing. Then decorate like you would make a diarama, scenes from the book. Glue 4 triaramas together in order. It will then stand nicely on the table for display. I did this with my 1-2 class quite well. Older students could do even better. We used them for author studies, making one triarama for each of four books by one author, then they inserted a flag on a stick (like for kabobs) in the center with the author's name on it.

Triaramas from Retta
For our triaramas in grad class, we were put into groups of four and we picked out a story book. Each member of the group made a scene in their room from the story. We colored and cut out characters leaving a tab to fold back and we glued these in so the characters and setting were all standing (looked very 3-D). Then we attached each of the rooms - it ended up looking like a pyramid. The student who did this project said his kids loved it and they would hang them from the ceiling or put them on a window sill.

Info-spheres from Pamela Udelhofen
Materials: Scissors, glue, markers, a length of string, a 9x12 sheet of colored paper, a hole puncher and assorted craft materials
1. You need to create a large (symmetrical) flower with only four petals on the 9x12 sheet.
2. On one petal: Write the title of the book, the author's name, and your name.
3. On the second petal: Write the name of the main character. Describe this character using three verbs, three nouns, and six adjectives
4. On the third petal: Write a brief summary of the book's plot.
5. On the last petal: Describe the setting of the book. Use words and/or pictures to tell where and when the story took place.
Construction:
1. Carefully cut out the flower.
2. Using a hole puncher, make a hole in the center of the flower.
3. Choose an object from the book that symbolizes the story. Use colored paper and other craft materials to create a figure to represent that object. The figure must be small enought to fit inside the completed ornament.
4. Tie one end of the string to the top of the figure, thread the other end of the string through the hole.
5. Glue the ends of the four petals together by carefully curing each strip around the center figure and then overlapping the tips.

1. Do a costumed presentation of your book. Dress either as the author or one of the characters.

31.Prepare a list of 15 to 20 questions for use in determining if other people have read the book carefully. .Must include some "thought" questions. "How?" "Why"

51.Create a radio ad for your book. Write out the script and tape record it as it would be presented. Don't forget background music!

52.Make a "wanted" poster for one of the characters or objects in your book. Include the following: (a) a drawing or cut out picture of the character or object, (b) a physical description of the character or object, (c) the character's or object's misdeeds (or deeds?), (d) other information about the character or object which is important, (e) the reward offered for the capture of the character or object.

53.Research and write a 1 page report on the geographical setting of your story. Include an explanation as to why this setting was important to the effect of the story.|

54.Design an advertising campaign to promote the sale of the book you read. Include each of the following: a poster, a radio or TV commercial, a magazine or newspaper ad, a bumper sticker, and a button.

56.Write a scene that could have happened in the book you read but didn't. After you have written the scene, explain how it would have changed the outcome of the book.

57.Create a board game based on events and characters in the book you read. By playing your game, members of the class should learn what happened in the book. Your game must include the following: a game board, a rule sheet and clear directions, events and characters from the story.

57.Make models of three objects which were important in the book you read. On a card attached to each model, tell why that object was important in the book.

58.Design a movie poster for the book you read. Cast the major character in the book with real actors and actresses. Include a scene or dialogue from the book in the layout of the poster. Remember, it should be PERSUASIVE; you want people to come see the movie.

59.If the book you read involves a number of locations within a country or geographical area, plot the events of the story on a map. Make sure the map is large enough for us to read the main events clearly. Attach a legend to your map. Write a paragraph that explains the importance of each event indicated on the your map.

60.Complete a series of five drawings that show five of the major events in the plot of the book you read. Write captions for each drawing so that the illustrations can be understood by someone who did not read the book.

61.Make a test for the book you read. Include 10 true-false, 10 multiple choice, and 10 short essay questions. After writing the test, provide the answers for your questions.

62.Select one character from the book you read who has the qualities of a heroine or hero. List these qualities and tell why you think they are heroic.

63.Imagine that you are about to make a feature-length film of the novel you read. You have been instructed to select your cast from members of your English class. Cast all the major characters in your novel from your English classmates and tell why you selected each person for a given part.

64.Plan a party for the characters in the book you read. In order to do this, complete each of the following tasks: (a) Design an invitation to the party which would appeal to all of the characters. (b) Imagine that you are five of the characters in the book and tell what each would wear to the party. (c) Tell what food you would serve and why. (d) Tell what games or entertainment you will provide and why your choices are appropriate. (e) Tell how three of the characters will act at the party. (f) What kind of a party is this? (birthday, housewarming, un-birthday, anniversary, etc.)

65.List five of the main characters from the book you read. Give three examples of what each character learned or did not learn in the book.

66.Obtain a job application from an employer in our area, and fill out the application as one of the characters in the book you read might do. Before you obtain the application, be sure that the job is one for which a character in your book is qualified. If a resume is required, write it.

67.You are a prosecuting attorney putting one of the characters from the book you read on trial for a crime or misdeed. Prepare your case on paper, giving all your arguments.

68.Do the previous activity, but find a buddy to help you. One of you becomes the prosecuting attorney; the other is the defense. If you can't find a buddy, you could try it on your own.

69.Make a shoe box diorama of a scene from the book you read. Write a paragraph explaining the scene and its effect in the book on your title page.

70.Pretend that you are one of the characters in the book you read. Tape a monologue of that character telling of his or her experiences. Be sure to write out a script before taping. You could perform this "live" if you so choose.

71.Make a television box show of ten scenes in the order that they occur in the book you read. Cut a square form the bottom of a box to serve as a TV screen and make two slits in opposite sides of the box. Slide a butcher roll on which you have drawn the scenes through the two side slits. Make a tape to go with your television show. Be sure to write out a script before taping or performing live.

72.Tape an interview with one of the characters in the book you read. Pretend that this character is being interviewed by a magazine or newspaper reporter. You may do this project with a partner, but be sure to write a script before taping. You may choose to do a "live" version of this.

73.Write a letter to a friend about the book you read. Explain why you liked or did not like the book.

75.Imagine that you have been given the task of conducting a tour of the town in which the book you read is set. Make a tape describing the homes of your characters and the places where important events in the book took place. You may want to use a musical background for your tape.

76.Do some research on the hometown of your book's author. You may be able to find descriptions of his or her home, school, favorite hangouts, etc. What else is of interest in the town? Imagine that you are conducting a tour of the town. Make a tape describing the places you show people on the tour. You may want to use a musical background for your tape.

77.Make a list of at least ten proverbs or familiar sayings. Now decide which characters in the book you read should have followed the suggestions in the familiar sayings and why.

78.Write the copy for a newspaper front page that is devoted entirely to the book you read. The front page should look as much like a real newspaper page as possible. The articles on the front page should be based on events and characters in the book.

79.Make a collage that represents major characters and events in the book you read. Use pictures and words cut from magazines in your collage.

80.Make a time line of the major events in the book you read. Be sure the divisions on the time line reflect the time period in the plot. Use drawings or magazine cutouts to illustrate events along the time line. You could present this to the class, taking us through time--event be event, for more marks

81.Change the setting of the book you read. Tell how this change of setting would alter events and affect characters.

82.Make a paper doll likeness of one of the characters in the book you read. Design at least threes costumes for this character. Next, write a paragraph commenting on each outfit; tell what the clothing reflects about the character, the historical period and events in the book.

83.Pick a national issue. Compose a speech to be given on that topic by one of the major characters in the book you read. Be sure the contents of the speech reflect the characters personality and beliefs.

84.Retell the plot of the book you read as it might appear in a third-grade reading book. Be sure that the vocabulary you use is appropriate for that age group. Tape your storytelling.

85.Complete each of these eight ideas with material growing out of the book you read: This book made me wish that. . ., realize that. . ., decide that. . ., wonder about. . ., see that. . ., believe that . . ., feel that . . ., and hope that. . . .

86.After reading a non-fiction book, become a teacher. Prepare a lesson that will teach something you learned from the book. It could be a "how-to" lesson or one on content. Plan carefully to present all necessary information in a logical order. You don't want to confuse your students! Present your lesson to your students. How did you do? If you taught a "how-to" lesson, look at the final product to see if your instructions to the class were clear. If your lesson introduced something new, you might give a short quiz to see how well you taught the lesson.

88.Write the title of your book. Decide on some simple word--picture--letter combinations that will spell out the title "rebus style." Present it to the class to solve (I will make a transparency or copies for you.) After they have solved the rebus., invite them to ask questions about the book.

89.After reading a book, design a game, based on that book as its theme. Will you decide on a board game, card game, concentration? The choices are only limited to YOUR CREATIVITY! Be sure to include clear directions and provide everything needed to play.

90.Choose an interesting character from your book. Consider the character's personality, likes and dislikes. Decide on a gift for him or her. . . something he or she would really like and use. Design a greeting card to go along with your gift. In the greeting, explain to your friend from the book why you selected the gift.

91.Design a poster to advertise your book. Be creative. . . use detail. . .elaborate. . . use color! Can you make it 3-D or movable?

92.Make a large poster that could be a cover for that book. Imagine that you are the book and plan a way to introduce yourself. Make the group feel they would like to know you better. Organize your best points into an introduction to present to the class. Be sure to "wear" your cover!

93.Read the classifieds. Find something a character in your book was looking for or would like. Cut out the classified. Write a short paragraph telling why he or she needs/wants the item. Would the one advertised be a good buy for him or her? Why or Why not?

94.Create cutout sketches of each character in your novel. Mount the sketches on a bulletin board. Include a brief character sketch telling us about the characters.

95.Design a symbol for a novel or a certain character.

96.Gather a large collection of current events that reflect incidents that closely parallel those in your novel.

97.Write a letter to the author of your novel and explain how you feel about the book.

99.Create a poster that could be used as an advertisement.