Book Report

Today I officially assigned the book report. Students already have the assignment sheet, which includes the outline format that I suggest they use to help them take notes and write their report. Today I also gave them the grading rubric, which shows exactly what criteria I am looking at to grade their book report.

They have two weeks to finish reading their book, until Friday, November 17. They then have about a week and a half to finish writing their book report, which is due on Wednesday, November 29.

I set out a number of excellent fifth grade books, many of which have won awards. Among them are The Phantom Tollbooth, The Westing Game, Dear Mr. Henshaw, The Giver, Out of the Dust, Holes, Maniac Magee, and My Side of the Mountain. All of those books were pre-approved by me for the book report. Students could also select another book, show it to me for my approval, and then if I okayed it, read that book for the book report; about ten students took advantage of that choice, and I okayed their books today.

Beginning to read their book report book was the only homework I assigned today.