Amy Dobbs McClure Middle School

Reader’s Response journal is a section in your notebook in which you write to a teacher, friend or parents in a specified format about a book you are reading independently. In the journal write a summarization along with reactions and questions you may have about the book.

 Encourages independent reading.  Connects reading and writing to expand meaning.  Supports the teaching of letter writing throughout the year.

Your reader’s response letter must include the following:  Date  Salutation  Body – 3 sections  Closing

October 2, 2006 Dear Class, Last night I read the story, Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora. This book is about a boy named Tomas who lives in Texas in the winter months and then has to travel to Iowa in the summer months. You see, Tomas’s parents are farm workers and have to go where work is available. Tomas always gets stories told by his grandfather. One day Tomas decides to go into the library. The lady helps him discover how much he likes reading. He even reads stories to his family and becomes a storyteller like his grandfather. My family is similar to Tomas’ because we also travel in the summer to another state. My husband Gary leads a crew of workers to pick tomatoes for farmers over in South Carolina and Virginia. My father lives with us and he loves to tell us stories of when he was a young boy growing up. I am a lot like Tomas because I enjoy reading and in the summer I get to read all types of books. I even go to the public libraries whenever I am in another state, especially when my husband is working. I love spending time at the local bookstore to buy books to read for my children. My children all read over the summer, I like them to read at least one chapter book. Reading takes you to many places that you may never get to visit. Sincerely, Mrs. Nunez Date Salutation Closing Body

Date Dear Mrs. Dobbs, Introductory Sentence Summary Paragraph – include the 5W’s and specific details from the story Reaction to Text – connect, infer, predict, question, visualize, evaluate, or analyze what you read. Closing, Your Name

Address the letter to your intended audience:  Dear Mom and Dad,  Dear Mrs. Dobbs,  Dear ________(name of friend),  To Whom It May Concern:

All introduction sentences must include:  Title of Book – Capitalized and underlined  Author Here are some examples of beginning sentences  I have been reading…..  Today I read…….  Yesterday I read,  During Language Arts I read, Last night I read the story, Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora.

October 2, 2006 Dear Class, Last night I read the story, Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora. This book is about a boy named Tomas who lives in Texas in the winter months and then has to travel to Iowa in the summer months. You see, Tomas’ parents are farm workers and have to go where work is available. Tomas always gets stories told by his grandfather. One day Tomas decides to go into the library. The lady helps him discover how much he likes reading. He even reads stories to his family and becomes a storyteller like his grandfather. Summarize what you have read. Include the 5W’s and specific details!

My family is similar to Tomas’ because we also travel in the summer to another state. My husband Gary leads a crew of workers to pick tomatoes for farmers over in South Carolina and Virginia. My father lives with us and he loves to tell us stories of when he was a young boy growing up. I am a lot like Tomas because I enjoy reading and in the summer I get to read all types of books. I even go to the public libraries whenever I am in another state, especially when my husband is working. I love spending time at the local bookstore to buy books to read for my children. My children all read over the summer, I like them to read at least one chapter book. Reading takes you to many places that you may never get to visit. Connection: Text to Self

 Story Elements  Main Idea and Details  Questioning  Inferring  Visualization  Predicting  Compare/Contrast

 I wonder what ______ means? questioning  I really don’t understand ________. questioning  I think the character meant ________ when he said _________. infer  I think this setting is important because… infer  I think the relationship between _______ and _______ is interesting because… infer / compare  This character reminds me of … connect  If I were (character name) at this point, I would.. connect  I imagine (character/setting/detail) to look like… visualize  I really think that _________ will happen in the next chapter. predict

 Love,  Best Wishes,  Truly yours,  Your student,  Your friend,