Using Reading Response Journals to Increase Comprehension Melissa Pletkovich Hines Primary School, Peoria, IL Illinois Reading Conference March 14, 2013

What are they? Written outlets for readers of all ages They can be made of many materials They can be used for any story & subject area They can be used any time students read text They are a great way to connect reading, writing, and thinking.

Written Outlets: A record of thoughts and feelings A log of questions and answers Literary notes Content explanations Notation of details Portfolio of reading interests Documentation of reading & writing growth

They can be : Notebooks Student-made books Teacher-made booklets Binder sections

Use of journals: Year long One per book By genre Author study Content study Skill/strategy-based Theme-based

When to use journals Before reading During reading After reading Silent reading Shared reading

Before reading Review previously- read material Predict Access background knowledge and vocabulary

During reading Thoughts, feelings & ideas Story elements Plot notes Details/features Questions ‘Epiphanies ’

After reading Record strategies that were used Make connections Compare texts Document & organize newly-learned information Graphic organizers Vocabulary

Silent reading Why the book was chosen What relates to him/her What to share with others Research information

Shared reading Partner reading Small group/guided reading Literature Circles Class readings Dramatic readings Poetry readings

Shared Readings Individual or group journaling Shared journaling Blog about text Students can read their entries with the small group or entire class

Ideas Writings – Paraphrase – Synopsis – Trace thoughts and actions – Connections – Questions – Literary study – Character study Writings Drawings Graphic organizers Fact notes Scrapbook

Ideas Drawings - Pictures/Images -Diagrams -Maps Writings Drawings Graphic organizers Fact notes Scrapbook

Ideas Graphic organizers -T-charts -Flow charts -Sociograms -Word webs -Story webs -Venn diagrams -Sequence charts Writings Drawings Graphic organizers Fact notes Scrapbook

Ideas Fact notes  Reports  Presentations  Tests  Formative assessments in content areas  Exit slips  Review of previously- learned information Writings Drawings Graphic organizers Fact notes Scrapbook

Ideas Scrapbook Paper Poster Electronic 3-D Writings Drawings Graphic organizers Fact notes Scrapbook

How to’s Introduce journaling as a part of your reading routine, and it will become a part of a students’ thinking routine. Teach students how to set them up and use them. Teach your expectations for use: neatness, clarity, organization; spelling and grammar vs. free writing

Tips Use journaling consistently and regularly Grading? Give students opportunities to choose their own prompt or exercise. They will write more.

Results Provides a deeper understanding of text Presents a richer understanding of writing Offers better connections to the reading- writing process Supplies an on-going use of higher-order thinking skills Encourages a wide variety of reading Produces high student engagement Holds students accountable for learning