Reading Response Journals

Choose books that are WELL-WRITTEN, on your level, and enjoyable
THINK about what is happening in your book as you read
THINK about how the author is writing as you read your book
Write your journal letters in letter format--remember the page number, date, salutation, closing, and signature
Go beyond just telling what the story is about--tell what you THINK about the book
Refer to the handouts given for ideas about what you could respond to
Some ideas include predicting what you THINK is going to happen later in the book or comparing this book to others you've read
Tell how this book affects you personally; for example, you could tell how this book compares with your own life
Refer to the teacher letters or the letters classmates write to you for examples and ideas
If it is an award-winning book, tell why you THINK this book was chosen as one of the best books written for adolescents in the year it was published
Journal letters that show a lot of depth get the highest grade; HINT: it is difficult to show much depth in a very short journal letter
It is difficult to write your best when you are rushed; don't wait until the last minute to write your letters--three letters in three weeks
See the teacher if you are having difficulty writing journal response letters
Read a lot and you'll have lots to write about