What would you do......

[Penwoir]

What would you do if your 11 year old child was supposed to read a 250 page book for a school project and then write a book report on it, and you subsequently found out he really didn't properly read the book? The consequence of this is that he was not able to write a proper book report. I ask the question because this happened in our family. The first that I knew was my son was really struggling to comment on the book and pass a review. He then admitted he had not read the book. For the record, I allowed my son to surrender his half-effort book report, as it was and he got the grade he deserved. However after submitting it, I checked out a different book from the library, I read it from cover to cover and then formulated about 30 questions on the book. I gave it to my son and asked him to do it again. I told him I had read the book, formulated the questions and so there would be no cheating. Over the next 2 weeks he read the book and is currently in the process of writing a book report. He hasn't asked me to help him, he's tapping away at the computer, and he already doesn't appear short of anything to write. I just wondered, what would you do?

[countrygirl12]

Depends on if you punish your kids for bad grades. Some parents do.  Then some people think that is the most horrible concept in the world.   I would not have him read another book, take a test, and write ME a book report.  A lot of kids half way read books they are assigned in school.  Especially if it is something they are not interested in.  I remember having to read stupid Shakespeare books and most of us were not interested at all.  It's poorly worded, hard to understand, and basically boring and of no interest to kids today.  I would half way read it to pass a test and get it out of my way and go on to something else. lol

[Bigpar31]

Punishment might not be the way to go on this one. But they need to learn how to follow directions and that is what school teaches kids getting them prepared for the real world. Things that interest them they will retain the knowledge better. Hopfully they find a career they enjoy doing. Hope this helps.
   

[michele2042]

I understand, I believe, why you did what you did.   I completely agree with having him turn in his work and deal with the grade he received on his efforts.   I'm not sure about the second part of your decision.  So many kids do not enjoy "reading" so I would rather find a way to get them to enjoy the activity.  Let them read anything they like, I don't care if it's comic books, just get them to love reading so the world will open up for them.   However, it sounds like he may have enjoyed reading the book you gave him since he's banging out the report.    All in all, he's your child and you know what best will motivate him.

[CharmedPhoenix]

Okay, he's getting the grade he deserves on his school report.  You're also proving to both of you that he can follow instructions, really read a book and write a (hopefully good) report on it.  Positive reinforcement works best.  I'd say there's a discussion needed here.  Once he's done with the report sit down with him and discuss it.  How was this reading experience different than the school assignment - to him?  Once the two of you understand why his school performance was lacking you two can figure out a solution so he could do better.  You might then confer with his teacher so she can know what happened.  All three of you can learn from this incidence and be part of the solution. 

[loulizlee]

I think you came up with a good plan to have him read the book and be tested by you.  I also agree with Charmed Phoenix; a discussion with his teacher may help greatly.

[dreamyxo]

What's done is done.  You can't do the work for him but you can make sure he does what he's supposed to the next time he has a book report do make sure he is read the book.  You could have him read it aloud while you are in the room.