Dear Parents,
Each week I will assign a genre ~ science, mystery, historical fiction, biography, Bluebonnet Award, etc. ~ that is to be read that week and I will send home the book report form too. The book chosen must be on a level that is appropriate for the student and must have my approval. Your child may choose a book from home, the public library or school library so long as it fits the week’s genre criteria and is approved by the teacher. If approval is not given your child will not receive credit for their book report. Book reports will be due on Wednesday of each week. I chose Wednesday because this is our library day and my students can check out their book report book for the next week. Since I am in the library during check out time I am able to assist my students in their book choices. We will choose our books at the library on February 29 and then your child’s first book report will be due on Wednesday, March 7.
Book reports are to summarize the book read. Students will need to include the names of characters and details from the beginning, middle and end of the book. Remind your child to ask themselves the following questions when they write their summaries:
* Who is the story about?
* What are they doing?
* Where and when does the story take place?
* Why are the characters doing what they are doing or why are these events happening?
* How are the characters going to solve their problem or reach their goals?
In addition to the summary, students will draw and color a picture showing their favorite part of the book on the back of the report. We are writing our first book report together in class this next week so they will have had practice writing one. I should be able to tell what the book is about from reading the book report. Students may read their book at school as well as at home but I would prefer them to write their reports at home as we do not have extra class time to complete these here.
Grading will be as follows:
* Book Reports are due each Wednesday and a 100 will be given if directions are followed.
* Thursday, 1 day late ~ maximum grade given ~ 89
* Friday, 2 days late ~ maximum grade given ~ 70
* If the book report is not turned in by Friday a zero will be recorded
Your children and I have already discussed the requirements and grading policy but I would appreciate you going over it with them and then signing and returning the bottom part of this letter. This ensures that we are all aware of what is expected. Thank you for helping me to instill a love of reading in my students. I am looking forward to reading all about the wonderful books your children are reading.
Happy Reading!
Donna Musick