Book Report template - fiction

Here's the book report format we use after each fiction book. It is fairly simple, but really helps Shane to focus on the big questions. As he starts each new book, he is reminded that he will have to write a book report after he finishes, so he should be thinking about the 5 questions on the form as he is reading.

Tips:

1. Let your child choose his own book - this gives him control and helps keep his interest.
2. Show your child the questions before he starts the book: the scariest thing for an AS child is a blank page!
3. Remind him often of the questions to be answered.
4. Try to read the book together and discuss each sentence/paragraph/chapter as you go. Most often, AS kids will focus on the details but not quite grasp the big picture. Ask "why do you think this happened?" often.
5. Do one thing at a time. I don't insist on perfect handwriting or exact grammar with a book report - the primary goal is to understand the concepts of the book and the main ideas.
6. Guide him to information he can get from the cover. Does the title describe what is going on in the book? What can he assume about the story from the picture on the cover?
7. If this is too hard, then break it down. Last year, we read together and discussed each paragraph, sometimes looking up words or talking about expressions. Then at the end of each chapter, I typed up 4 to 5 questions and Shane answered those. Each chapter was like a mini review - what happened, why it happened, his opinion, and a prediction of what might come next. This really forces more abstract thinking.
8. Be patient. This is not easy for most AS kids, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Shane's improved language skills have already helped him in other courses: math, science, history...

Read-on!