Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Response Journals


Response Journals



“When we ask children to make connections, comprehend deeply, and think critically, they respond in ways that take them to new mental places.”

Response journals can be a great tool to use in the classroom. These journals give students time to reflect on their stories in a personal way. In order to obtain the greatest benefit from these journals we want students to make thoughtful journal entries.


Characteristics of a Thoughtful Journal Entry:

·        Creates mind pictures/visualizes
Children should tell whether the author can create visuals for them through their writing.
·        Summarizes
Children should recognize what the book is about and the characteristics of the story.
·        Makes Connections
Children should recognize what the story reminds them of and how it relates to other things in their life.
·        Offers Opinion
How do they feel about the book? Children should tell whether they agree, disagree, enjoy, or do not enjoy the book.
·        Critiques
Children should act as a book critic and analyze the books features.
·        Identifies Theme/Main Idea
Children should identify the author’s message and what the story has taught them.
·        Wondering and Making Predictions
Children should ask questions about the text. Not only for parts they do not understand, but also for questions they wonder about what will happen next in the story.

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