Ban the Book Report: Promoting Frequent and Enthusiastic Reading

Teachers recognise that frequent independent reading increases student knowledge on a wide range of topics, enhances vocabulary, and improves comprehension. How can teachers nurture and deepen independent reading experiences for their students?

Ban the Book Report argues that the main purpose of reading assignments is to encourage rather than discourage reading. This practical book inspires teachers to go beyond narrow and analytical book reports by exploring the potential of oral and visual activities. It offers response assignments that are more closely aligned with the reasons that people read -to explore personal interests, to make important emotional connections, and to enjoy themselves.

This remarkable resource offers more than twenty specific assignments that will engage students and persuade them to respond to their reading in innovative ways. Response options explored include: book talks, alternate book covers, identifying features of informational books, newspaper headlines and articles, talk-show interviews, diary entries for characters and letters to authors. Each assignment includes its own rubric written in student-friendly language along with student response exemplars from real classrooms. Tips to help teachers launch and manage an independent reading program complement this timely book.

A comprehensive analysis of the expectations and possibilities of independent reading, Ban the Book Report is ideal for teachers who value showing as well as telling to engage students in thoughtful, personal response.