The below ideas are a new take on the standard book report/summary.
1- Writing an essay. In the beginning of the year I go over essay requirements and give students several prompts to choose from when it comes to writing their essay. All students have to do this project at least once.
2- Something artistic. I leave this project open ended and tell them to think outside of the box and use their creative skills to give me something different. I like to think this project leaves room for students to be truly inspired by their books and create something to that end. They also have to present their creation to the class. Their presentation should also include a brief summary of the book, their opinion, and an explanation of their project. Most students read this and think: poster time. However, I have had some really excellent artistic projects turned in. Students have written poems, written songs, created sculptures, and even made 3-D scenes from their books.
3- Reading response journal. My students already keep a reading response journal where they complete SSR logs regarding the book they’ve read during SSR time in class. This project allows them to expand a little on this and pick their five best logs, type them up, and turn them in to me. See article two in this series, entitled “Silent Reading Assessments,” for more details.
4- Blog about their book. There is a website, www.bookcrossing.com, where students may go and register the book they have read. They then write a blurb about their book and receive an identification number. To complete this project, students write the ID number in the book and then leave their book somewhere with a note to whomever finds it. Using this website, students participate in a modern, technologically advanced “message in a bottle” activity. Students have to turn in a copy of their blog (at least 250 words) and a paragraph of the same length stating where they left the book and why.
