Friday, February 20, 2015

Valentine's Day Book Reports 2015

Yesterday, I posted about the Cardboard Challenge Valentine's Day Boxes my fourth graders made, but I would be remiss if I didn't also post about the creative boxes that came pouring in with my third graders!  I have been doing this project with my kiddos for the last three years, and I am always amazed by their boxes each and every year.  It's so fun to see how they will interpret their books, and it's a great way to review story elements while adding a little educational flair to our Valentine's Day celebrations.  The beauty in this project, in my opinion, is that the boxes would be created no matter what.  So, I am really not adding a lot more to their plates for this project, I am just giving the boxes a different slant.  Instead of decorating their boxes with whatever strikes their fancies, I ask them to read a book and create a box that reflects that text.  Easy peasy.  The reports are presented to the class on the day of our party, and then they are assessed for a small writing grade.  It's as simple as that!


Check out a few of their Valentine's Day Book Report Boxes!
 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid


Nikki Maxwell

Pippi Longstocking

Kylie Jean Hoop Queen

Love Splat

The Lemonade Crime

Captain Underpants

Cupcake Diaries

Kingdom Keepers

A Close-Up of Kingdom Keepers


And Another

The cutest unicorn I have ever seen!


Just look at that mane!

Judy Moody Saves the World

The Puppy Place: Goldie

Where the Wild Things Are

News Express

Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist

A Super Cute Penguin!
This is one example of how the reports are set up:








As you can see, this isn't a really elaborate project, but it does serve its purpose.  I know by looking at this report that this student can comprehend and expand on ideas presented on books.  I know she can summarize the main points in each segment of the chapter book.  I know she can articulate her thoughts using vivid vocabulary.  I also know she had a WHOLE LOT of fun working on this project and her box... and that is the icing on the cake.  I am already looking forward to next year!

6 comments:

  1. I love this idea! The boxes look really great!

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  2. I teach 3rd grade and follow your blog for this very reason. What a creative and fun way to get kids excited about reading! I'm totally going to do this next year. Thanks for sharing. :)

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    1. Thank you! :) It's always one of our favorite projects each and every year!

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  3. I was a *little disappointed at the lack of creativity with my students and this project. I was a bit surprised at the lack of effort. =( I gave them 2 weeks and discussed it plenty!! I'll show your examples next year, for sure.
    I did post a few of mine. http://practicalprimary.blogspot.com/2015/02/valentines-day.html

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    1. Hi, Kim! I give my students about a month for this project and the Cardboard Challenge that I do with my fourth graders. I do think showing the kind of examples you are hoping for sets the stage, so I always show the examples of kids who go above and beyond. I have three years worth of posts on my blog that you can utilize with your own kids if you want. If you Google "Valentine's Day Book Reports + One Extra Degree", all three should come up. Perhaps more time and more photos will be a difference maker. I thought the examples you shared were super cute!

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