- Learning Logs, Literary Response Journals or Response Journals are often used to evoke responses to the literature. These may be used after the students have read a selection; students generally write their thoughts and reactions in a log or journal. These journals serve as the springboard for thoughtful discussions about the reading selection. For example, students may silently read several chapters from Because of Winn Dixie. Students would finish the reading and respond in their logs or journals. Then students would form small groups to discuss the literature, using their journal entries as the impetus for their conversations.
- These responses could be open-ended, or they could be the result of an idea prompt. Students should also be encouraged to jot down questions, connections, feelings, or words/ideas to be clarified.
- Another option is for the teacher to guide students through the reading and then have students respond to the reading in their logs or journals. The following day, the teacher would begin the reading lesson by having students discuss their log or journal entry. This is an excellent way to review the reading completed the day before. These journals also work well for independent reading material.
- Examples of open-ended questions/statements may include:
1) What do you notice about the book/story? (Impressions)
2) What do you wonder about? (Wonderings)
3) How does the story make you feel? (Feelings)
4) What does the book remind you of from your own life? (Personal Connections)
5) What other books/characters does the book remind you of? (Literary Connections)
6) What special meaning or message does the book have for you? (Theme)
7) What was the most important part of the reading?
8) What do you think will happen to ____________?
9) What is your favorite part of the reading?
10) What else do you have to say about what we’ve just read?
11) The most important thing I learned today was___________
12) Questions I have are_________________________
13) My feelings about today’s experiences are____________
14) What I thought would happen and what really happened was__________