With or without using technology, book reports don’t have to be same old, same old, same old thing.   See the NY Times Learning Network for alternative ways to engage students in reading, then writing and talking about books. Remember to include non-fiction titles on your lists of suggested books.

Check out this discussion thread on English Companion Ning which includes Carol S’s distinction, as well as a list of quality resources to teach this key kind of writing and meet Common Core Standards for English Language Arts. Reply by Carol  S Argue = change what the readers THINK Persuade = change what the readers DO [...]

    Joseph Scotese and Lisa Danford have compiled a range of resources dedicated to the idea of focusing on the text.  You will find a range of exercises and handouts for close reading.  Click here to link to their site: www.awaytoteach.net Lauren B. recommends Toshak’s Writing Unseen Commentaries