Students learn new skills through hands-on experiences like the annual Homeschool Book Blast at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). Homeschool students in grades K – 12 prepare a creative book report based on a book of their choosing and present it in a science fair-style event. Registration for this year’s Homeschool Book Blast opens Fri., Nov. 7 and the event will take place Fri., Dec. 19 at East Library from 1 – 2 p.m. Registration is required to present.
This literary event encourages homeschool students to improve their reading skills and showcase their comprehension skills through a creative project. Students bring their books to life in interesting and informative formats every year. We have seen poster boards, LEGO builds, hand-drawn comic books illustrating pivotal scenes, detailed dioramas, food made from modeling clay, board games centered around the book’s plot, and many other creative formats. Some students even dress up as characters from their book. Since the format is left up to individual students, the possibilities are endless.
Anyone who wants to support learning in our community (or wants to discover new books) is welcome to attend and listen to students’ informal book reports to provide them with opportunities to practice their presentation skills. Projects like these help students gain confidence doing presentations, a vital skill for their future academics and careers. Plus, they encourage a lifelong love of reading!
Homeschoolers who are not doing their own book report are encouraged to attend and listen to other students’ presentations to practice listening skills with the added bonus of possibly discovering something new they want to read. Seeing the other book reports might even inspire them to participate next year.