[Keeli0307]

Does anyone use reading response journals? What kind of success have you had with them? Did the children respond to the books that you were reading with them (shared, guided, or read alouds) or thier silent reading books? I'm thinking of using journals to have them write about their SSR books.

[iteach4th]

I've used Reading Response Journals in my 4th grade classroom for 3 or 4 years now. I use them for my students' independent reading (SSR). I absolutly LOVE them and see them as one of the most important parts of my reading classroom. I use ideas and procedures from the Fountas and Pinnell book "Guiding Readers and Writers", and it works very well.

I am amazed each year at the growth I see in these journals, both in reading and writing. I require the students include the following in their journals: The date, the title and author, 2 important events that have happened in the book, and a personal reflection (connnections, questions they asked while reading, inferences, etc.). I love to see what my kids are THINKING about as they read. The letters must be in correct letter format, and I do grade them.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Azure]

I really like what you are doing. I have some questions for you. Do you have the questions listed out somewhere and the kids have just lesrned what to put in the letter? I teach 1st and have wanted to do something like this, but I don't think they would remember everything. Maybe I should just start out with response sheets first THEN go to the letters? Do you have any other suggestions for me?

[iteach4th]

Hi,
I'll try to answer your questions....

First of all, note that my kids are 4th graders, but here's what I do. We write many letters together about short picture books we read and discuss. By the time I ask the students to write their own letters to me, they've heard and seen many possibilities. I do, also, have a list of the requirements and possible reflections in their reading journal for them to refer to if needed. Once we get started, I always share some good, thoughtful letters that I've received (with the author's permission, of course!). We check to be sure that person has included all of the required parts. That is really powerful, and the kids always try to mimic the "good" letters. Also, they are always so excited to read the letters I write back to them. Yes, it takes some time to write that many individual letters, but it is so worth it!

I really think even 1st graders would be able to do this! I truly think that "thinking" about what we are reading is the most important tool to comprehending it. When the students have to "think" about what to write to you, they understand it A WHOLE LOT BETTER. How wonderful to get them in the habit of doing it in first grade!

My best advice would be to go slowly. Do many practice letters together, both out loud and in print for the kids to see. Post a couple of those on your wall for reference.

Hope I've help a bit. Let me know if you have any questions!

[Azure]

Thank you so much for your response!! I am going to try something tomorrow. I agree that I'll have to go SLOW!! Just writing a letter and getting all the parts in is difficult. But I agree that the kids would understand it much better. THANK YOU!!