The Reader’s Journal What, When, Where, Why, How

What is the RJ? Your RJ will be an ongoing record of your thinking. In your RJ, you will include your personal thoughts, reactions, analyses and questions about literature. You will also include class notes, activities and the occasional writing assignment.

When do I write in my RJ? During class At home Anytime you are reading literature that is assigned for this class Feel free to add notes for things you are reading outside of class as well

Where do I write in my RJ? Anywhere! Definitely in class and at home while doing assigned readings for class Within the journal: Notes should be contained to the RIGHT side of your notebook! Leave the LEFT side blank.

Why do we have an RJ? The AP Exam will test your skills in critical thinking and analysis. The notes you will be taking will be constant practice of these two skills. The quantity of notes is not as important as the quality of the notes. The journal will become a physical demonstration of your learning progress, used as a tool for assessment and evaluation (RJ conference). It’s not enough just to read! Your RJ notes help to ensure that you are thinking, too. Remember, if you don’t ink what you think, later you will stink.

How is the RJ graded? Mid-quarter: End of quarter: A check of your contents will be the basis for the mid-quarter evaluation. This will also give you an idea of ways to improve your journal in the future. End of quarter: A student-teacher conference during which you will discuss the contents of your journal and the learning which as resulted from the process.