By Daniel Pecheur Created Jan. 27, 2010

Learning Logs/Literacy Response Journal This strategy is especially helpful for English Language Learners in a reading/language arts setting. This involves a graphic organizer that is divided into two columns. The column on the left side should be used for objective information from text, such as notes or quotes from the selected text. The column on the right is for the student’s responses and reflections on the information contained in left- hand column.

Learning Log Design Notes on reading Summaries of reading Quotes from the reading Responses Questions/Reactions to Literature Recall information/associations with reading Draw pictures that help connect to reading. Make connections- brainstorm about text.

Learning Log (Example) The Great Gatsby Vocabulary: supercilious, elation, banter Chapter One of Great Gatsby- Nick Calloway introduces himself. He lives in West Egg, on Long Island Sound. Characters Tom & Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker are introduced. At the end of the first chapter, Nick describes first sight of Gatsby: “…I saw that I was not alone- fifty feet away a figure had emerged from the shadow of my neighbor’s mansions and was standing with his hands in his pockets regarding the silver pepper of the stars.” Supercilious- arrogant, snobby Elation- happiness Banter- speak in a funny, witty way Nick seems like a good person who tries to find the good qualities about a person before making a judgment. Gatsby is a mysterious character. He is very wealthy and for some reason he has made an impression on Tom. Why is Gatsby looking at the stars? What is he thinking about?