Book Report Strategy [1] How to Choose Assigned Reading

It has been raining every day, but once the rainy season ends, summer will be here. Speaking of summer, it is the season for book reports. Assigned reading books have started to appear in bookstores. For those who are unsure which book to choose, I have summarized some tips today on how to select a book for writing a report.

This advice is intended not only for elementary and junior high school students but also for their parents.

[1] Let's go to a local bookstore!

Of course, the library is fine too, but you might feel rushed if you have to read and write it by the return deadline. With online bookstores, you cannot pick up the books to browse. Choosing a book while chatting with your family is also a wonderful "reading experience."

[2] Parents as navigators

"I let my child choose whatever they wanted, but they couldn't write the report." This is a common concern. Basically, a book they are interested in is best, but depending on the genre, it can be difficult to write a report. Once a child decides on a book, it is hard for them to look at others. At first, do not narrow it down too much; let's take our time choosing from several candidates.

[3] Keep the hurdles low

Masterpieces, moving stories, and biographies are staples of assigned reading, but they can be surprisingly difficult to handle when it comes to writing a report. If it is a book the child wants to read, that is fine. However, if the child is hesitant, wait a moment before adults recommend these. Especially for children who do not usually read much, readability and interest are key. First, please keep the hurdles low and focus on "being able to read it happily to the end by themselves."

[4] Content that matches their life

If they like basketball, a book about basketball; if they play baseball, a book about a baseball player; if they enjoy camping, a book about the outdoors; if they have a pet, a book with animals in it—books with content close to the child's daily life make it easier for them to write their thoughts in their own words while incorporating their own experiences.

[5] Genres to be careful with

A child who loved insects chose a record book by a photographer. They read it over and over with sparkling eyes, but a parent and child came to me for advice saying, "I just can't write a report on it." We worked on it together and finished it, but from the perspective of writing a report, natural science books are difficult.

Cases where children are troubled because they read it but cannot write about it often involve picture books in general, war stories, conceptual topics like human rights or law, and... surprisingly, scary stories as well. It might be highly difficult to expand on thoughts for picture books or scary stories. Books about war and human rights are selected with the hope that children will pick them up.

When writing a report on these, it is necessary for the child to take steps to solidify their own opinions, such as reading similar books or researching related events. You could say these are genres where the more material you collect, the easier it is to write a report. Having help from a parent is very reassuring.

[6] Buy multiple if you are unsure

You might actually read it but think, "I can't write it... but it's homework, so I have to..." That happens too. If possible, I recommend buying more than one. The child can choose several, or the child can choose one and the parent can choose one—that is fun too. You could also choose one from the assigned reading list and one from free reading. Being able to think, "I'll write about whichever one is easier," can make you feel more at ease.

Today's note is a repost from #MachikaSensei's Writing Advice, which I post on X. You can read the entire Book Report Strategy series from the link below, so please check it out!

• Book Report Strategy [1] How to Choose Assigned Reading

• Book Report Strategy [2] 5 Points to Keep in Mind When Reading

• Book Report Strategy [3] 10 Ideas for Your Book Report

• Book Report Strategy Guide [4] Rules for Paragraph Structure

• A Movie Review of 'IF' Written by a Writing Teacher

I have made the teaching materials (the same ones actually used in my writing classes) that are effective when used with this article available for download on note. If you are interested, please check them out.