Grow a Love of Reading With Expert Tips and a Free Book Report Printable

BreAnn Fennell, a third grade teacher and a member of the 2023 Scholastic Teacher Fellows Cohort, a group working together to solve some of the most pressing teacher challenges, knows how to get kids to build better reading habits and learn to love the written word. 

“Encouraging a love of reading for me is being able to turn books into experiences,” says Fennell. “Students remember when they can be involved, have choices, and be immersed in the literature.” 

But you don’t have to wait for the ideal classroom experience to support a reader’s comprehension at home. With Scholastic’s free book report printable and the following teacher tips, you can help your young readers build habits that will last a lifetime. 

Scholastic: How can you encourage kids to develop a love of reading?

BreAnn Fennell: We encourage kids to read by finding out what they love in life. I have a large classroom library but I am also adding to it with student input. Some students want to find themselves in a book, while others want to get transported to a different land with mystical creatures. 

Tip from Scholastic Parents Staff: Parents can help kids find new favorites by encouraging them to follow their interests and recommending other titles that fit. 

Scholastic: What are some ways to help families build reading comprehension at home?

Fennell: Reading books with your kids and asking questions is a great way to build comprehension. Parents could write some questions down to ask as they are reading together. Some examples of questions you could ask:

• Who is the main character?
• What is the setting of this book or chapter?
• Where does this story take place?
• What connections can you make to this story?
• Why do you think the author chose this title for this story or chapter?

Scholastic: How have book reports evolved since parents were in school? 

Fennell: There is more technology involved in book reports than when I was in school. Students can make slides, use music connections, or find art to represent characters or feelings in the book.

Tip from Scholastic Parents Staff: At home, encourage readers to use art to reflect on how a book made them feel or how they imagined a certain character or scene. It’s a great way to build their creativity, memory, and observation skills. 

Scholastic: What makes a book report valuable? 

Fennell: A book report is valuable as a reflection piece to reading. Research shows writing by hand helps students remember information. Book reports or book projects allow students the opportunity to work on collaboration skills if working with partners or groups.

Tip from Scholastic Parents Staff: Fennell recommends that students present projects to their classmates — at home, you can have your kids share their book report with your family at the dinner table or on slow Sunday afternoons.

Ready to help your reader build essential skills? Start with our book report printable! Stock your library today! Search The Scholastic Store by grade, age, subject, or series.

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