Try book clubs; meet with them 2 or 3 times a week, to disucss the
reading. Meanwhile, they meet together to read and discuss. They can
take notes or write in journals to have things to talk with you about.
You can have prompts (favorite part so far, characters, problem, etc.)
that they use for discussion ideas or notes.
Instead of the prep nightmare, let them come up with ideas. Or have them
buddy read in another class. Have them write and illustrate books. Look
for a lot of different types of book reports - email me for ideas if you
want. Let them do reader's theaters for the class or antoher class.
