Book Description

If standard homework projects were arranged like the food pyramid, then book reports would definitely be their own food group. Over the years they have become staples on the basic buffet menu of projects offered to elementary and middle school students.

So what's wrong with staples? Nothing--except they can quickly become stale. Tasteless for students who have to submit a book report in the same standard style every six weeks. Flat for teachers who have to assign and grade them. Dreaded by parents who have to nag their children to actually read the book and then cajole them into writing a description that's at least a few words different than the one already on the back cover.

Solutions? There's lots of talk about integrating computers into standard school work, and surveys of parents still name homework as the number one reason for buying their child a computer. So how might technology add a little zest to this predicament?

Voila! Enter the new 24-page booklet I Did It on the Computer: Book Reports by Dr. Merle Marsh and Diane Kendall. It's full of juicy tidbits for kids on everything from finding a book to read using online resources to presenting a book report in a style sure to catch a teachers eye. The brochure reveals the secret of creating just the right shopping list of ingredients to look for while reading the book by crafting a pre-outline to guide the note-taking process.Recommendations for how to talk about a book with parents, siblings, or classmates are a unique and useful feature of the publication as well.

For those allowed a bit more gourmet flare in their report preparation, ideas (using the computer as a helpmate) for presenting a book report in a variety of different styles are showcased. Suggestions include everything from doing a book report like the front page of a newspaper or as a poster advertising the book to directing a computer movie or video. Another exclusive feature of the publication and its online component are the wide range of samples of real world book report projects to peruse in the booklet or on the Childrens Software Press web site.

Whimsically illustrated by Joyce Jabbour and written in a clear and straightforward manner, I Did It on the Computer: Book Reports is a must have for students in grades four to eight. Unlike any other publication, its practical approach can help students recognize how the computer can actually be of use in a book report project from start to finish. It's also full of clever ideas to enliven book report assignments. At $5 a copy, this booklet is truly a bargain for students who are increasingly expected to take advantage of what the computer can offer the homework process as they progress through school ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Book Reports Made Easy!
Students - Tired of hearing those dreaded words, "Book Report due Monday?"
Teachers - Tired of reading the same old response, "My favorite part of the story was..."
Parents - Tired of fussing with your children, "You know you have that book report due tomorrow!"

This well written and user friendly guide offers great ideas for creating unique and interesting book reports. The guide is unique in it's suggestions for incorporating the use of technology in the creation of book reports at all academic levels. With a computer as an assistant, a student can access reading web sites, create outlines, and design and illustrate an exciting book report that is certain to wow teachers. This booklet also gives suggestions on making video and presentation reports with templates for student use.
I plan to share this guide with faculty members and parents alike. It is a great resource and guide for students at all levels! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great interactive book for children sounds are authentic
My son loves to touch smell listen and taste so this was a perfect choice. He can experience sounds of the outside right inside his room and learn what they do. It encourages him to pick up a book on his own and interact. I am tempted to buy the whole series. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Only for high-school students
I didn't read this book, but received and skimmed it, then sent it back. The information it contains is obviously sketchy, and the author has a background in two fields completely unrelated to IT. I was very disappointed, especially considering its price -- it may be suitable for high-school students, but not for anyone seriously considering a career in IT. Instead, I recommend "Information Technology Careers" by Bird & Harwood(ExamCram/Coriolis), which is extremely informative and well written. ... Read more