Asking ESL students to read a book, write a report and present it as part of a small group discussion is a good way to incorporate multiple strands of language learning into an activity. Here’s one way to structure a book report lesson.
A book report lesson has several stages. Steps 1 and 2 need to be completed in class several weeks before the due date.
Each student will choose a level-appropriate book. They will read it and write a 1 to 2 page report. Then they will discuss the book in a small group. In small groups, students will listen and, hopefully, ask lots of questions to learn more or clarify points.
Reading level-appropriate books is a good way to improve English language skills. It builds vocabulary and helps students learn new ideas. If students read a lot, they will learn to read faster as well.
The activities in this lesson also touch on the four strands of language learning popularized by Paul Nation:
There are two rules.
Graded readers are usually a good choice for ESL students. They are not too long and it is easy to find a subject and level that matches the student’s interests and needs.
Graded readers usually have a number which shows their level. But, different companies have different ways to rank a book. So, it’s hard to make sense of the level just by looking at the number on the cover.
Here’s an easy solution.
Pick a book that looks interesting and open it up to a page, say page 12. Read the page. If you understand 95% of the words without a dictionary, that level is probably good for you.
In my class, the book report assignment is 10% of the final grade. My grading system is rudimentary. Some teachers may prefer a more developed rubric.
5% – written report
5% – oral presentation and participation in group discussion
A book report will have these basic parts.
Are you reading a book of fiction?
Are you reading a non-fiction book?
After the lesson introduction, give students a week to find a book. Then ask students to bring the book to class. Write down each student’s name and book title. This is a small step, but a deadline helps motivate students to take action.
Be sure to set a firm deadline to complete the written book report. Three to six weeks after introducing the assignment should be sufficient for most students.
Break class into small groups. (e.g. 3 to 4 students per group).
In turns, each student will present his/her book report. The others listen and ask questions. Encourage students not to read from their written report (it’s too boring for the others).
As students present, the teacher moves through the room listening to the presentations.
Make notes about the quality of each student’s presentation, level preparation and participation in group discussions.
At the end of class, students hand in their written reports. One week later, hand back reports with feedback.
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