Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can reading fair boards have headers placed on them if they do not exceed the 36" height regulation?

Yes, as long as the addition of the header does not extend the height of the board to more than 36".

This means that no items that are displayed with/or on the board should extend beyond the dimensions of the standard display board which is 36" W x 14" D of table space.

The space of the project in general being the size of the standing board was added to keep all boards upright and taking up approximately the same table space. Without this guideline, some boards extended 6-8 inches or more over the table front, or took up the

space of the project behind them. Models, shadowboxes, and illustrations that fit in the middle of the display are allowed. No items should hang over the edge of the table or be placed on the floor.

2.  Should the depth be measured from the center of the back of the board or measuredfrom the flap to the back of the board when the flap is not stretched out to the maximum width?

Measure from the center of the back of the board

3. What is considered an age appropriate book for a student to select to do this/her reading fair project?

An age appropriate book is one in which the student can maturely comprehend the text whether the student reads the text independently or someone reads it to him/her. We want to ere on the side of common sense here. For example, the age appropriateness of a book is often associated with the student's ability to read the text independently and comprehend what is read. Some students are capable of reading text that is considered above his/her grade level. If he or she is capable of doing this and the teacher and caregiver(s) believe the text is age appropriate for this particular student(s) then it is fine for the student to create a project based upon this book.

4. Can students cut holes into their boards?

Yes, if the reasons for cutting these holes are relevant to the story that the storyboard represents.

5. Should the spelling definitely be correct on the storyboard or is it better for it to be the actual invented spelling of the child?

Spelling is not addressed on the rubric. In considering spelling, it is best to examine this on a case by case basis. What is the grade level of the student? Elementary students in grades K-3 and possibly above to include special education students performing @ K-3 level are still using invented spellings. Some adult input is acceptable as students at this grade level complete their final draft in the writing process. Spelling accountability for middle and high school students is measured more closely if students are on grade level. Their writing presentation displayed on their boards should reflect this accountability. Are students using computers? If so, students will use the spell check and should have few, if any spelling errors.

6. Can students cut their boards into a shape that represents the story that they are presenting on their storyboard?

Yes, as long as the dimensions of the board remain within the guidelines of at least 30" H x 40"W and not more than 36"H x 48W".