But there are ways to make writing book reports easier. Here are some ideas:

• Start early. The kids who have the easiest time writing a book report have read the book—all the way to the end. As soon as you know a book report is due, help your child pace her reading. How many days until the report is due? (Subtract a couple for writing.) Divide that number into the total pages she has to read. This will teach time management—and get the book read.

• Find out what the teacher wants. Some teachers provide specific guidelines. Others want students to be creative.

• Plan the book report. This is a place you can really be helpful. Ask questions: Why did she choose the book? Where does the story take place? What was the most interesting part of the book? These questions will give her the main points of her book report.

• Help your child schedule time to write, edit, and rewrite.
  

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