Book Report FAQ's

Good morning, GATEr parents!

There have been a few questions regarding the book report.  I'm hoping to answer most of the frequently asked questions here, just in case you have the same question as well!  If you have any additional questions - please let me know so I can answer them.

When will this project be completed?
The pumpkin book report project will be completed 100% at home.  If your student is unable to complete it at home, please let me know so I can work with them during recesses.  Students will bring their book report to Student Led Conferences (Oct 27/28) and they will be presenting it to the class on October 31st (and November 1st if needed).

What will my student need to bring in to the conference?
The paper bag with the story element candy pieces inside, and the pumpkin decorated like a character in the story.

What about a written report?
The "written" part will be on the candy pieces.  There is no formal written report for this project.

How long should my student be spending on the project?
Every student will spend a different amount of time on it.  With 24 different levels of learning in the class, there will be 24 distinct projects brought to conferences.  For example, some students are reading chapter books and some students are reading picture books.  There is a distinct difference it takes in the time to read the two texts.  Each project will take 2-4+ hours from starting to read the book to carrying the pumpkin in to the classroom.

What should their pumpkin look like?
Students have seen color examples, and copies of examples have been included in the instruction packet.  The student should take a main character's physical traits, and create a pumpkin based on what they look like.

Awesome!  Glitter galore!
If at all possible, please limit your glitter consumption.  If absolutely necessary, glitter glue is a great alternative to the loose glitter that tends to get everywhere once it comes into the classroom.

How can I help my student prepare for the oral report?
The oral report will be very casual and (hopefully) low-stress for the students.  At this point in the year, I'm more concerned with the comfort level of the students standing in front of their peers than the duration/content of the speech.  Students will present their pumpkin, and share their favorite element.  They will then answer 1-2 questions from students, as well as 1-2 questions from me.  I use a "question-suggestion-compliment" format in which students have the opportunity to ask the speaker 2 questions, then two students can give suggestions, and finally 2 students can offer compliments.

The bag can be decorated in any way, right?
Well, yes and no.  I've asked the students to draw/decorate the front of the bag like the cover of the book.  The back of the bag is at their discretion but hopefully relates to the text.

We only have one bag.  What if we mess up on the front drawing?
I've suggested to the students that they may draw the illustration on a piece of paper, and then glue it to the bag.  We even reviewed the importance of glue sticks - liquid glue is very challenging to work with for paper-to-paper bonding!

Can I come see the oral presentations on Monday?
OF COURSE.  Please - always feel free to come in - there's no need to ask or make sure I know you're coming.  Be sure to check in at the front office!  We will begin presentations at approximately 9:45, and they will go until noon (lunchtime).  There will be brain breaks in between.

Do the books have to be at the students' level?
Not for this project, but they will be asked to present books at their level for all future book reports.  Students can present picture books or chapter books.

What if I can't afford a pumpkin?
Please, let me know if this is the case.  I would be happy to (quietly) provide one.  As a single mom - I know these things can be challenging, especially toward the end of the month.  I don't want finances to hinder your student in any way, shape, or form.  Just send me a note saying that a pumpkin sounds great!

Do you have any other questions?  Please, let me know so I can include them here!!!