I am just going to get this out in the open... I do not enjoy reading for pleasure. I prefer playing basketball, football or golf; the idea of sitting for hours and reading makes me queasy. My apologies to all those who love to read. I enjoy building things or creating projects; at the end of the day, I need a sense of accomplishment. As you can imagine, I had many heartaches growing up in school trying to read a book and then writing a three to eight page paper on what the book meant. Can you say? "Cliff Notes???" I remember reading a book on Earving "Magic" Johnson and one about "The Fonz"; the rest are vapors lost in the wind. Do you think I am the only kid like this? I understand the importance of reading a book and there may be some merit to writing a synopsis about the book, but what is the real reason we want students to read the book? What is the skill we want them to establish? How do we get them interested in reading? How do we motivate them? I know...make them write a paper on it. hmmm, How about make a poster out of construction paper and crayons? hmmmm...(A lot of companies are using construction paper and crayons in their workplace...probably not). or How about this....
Have students use digital projects to make their books come alive. Here are some ideas that could help revamp "book summaries":
1. Students create a storyboard of sequence for their movie trailer
2. Students use "Windows Movie Maker" to create movie trailers to get students excited about their book.
3. Post it on your school website
4. Organize a "movie screening" (bring popcorn)
5. Students should provide: details about the plot, characters and settings to promote their movie.
Other Ideas:
www.storybird.com
www.kerpoof.com (teacher accounts available)
www.xtranormal.com
references:
"A Book Report Your Students Will Love", Keith Ferrell, Dec-Jan. 2010-11, Learning and Leading.
