Reading Response Logs (From "Do I Really Have to Teach Reading?")
Reading response logs are like reading journals that students complete for self-selected texts (or any text read outside of class time). For example, if a history class is reading primary sources (like journals or letters) in addition to their textbook, this technique can be used to track their thinking for the outside texts. In a science class, the teacher could assign a magazine article to read for homework, and have students complete a single-entry reading response log.
Why use it?
"These response logs allow me to see what students are reading and thinking about with self-selected texts [or outside readings]...The logs allow students a place to practice and demonstrate their use of the strategies they are learning in class. It is also a place for me to assess their understanding of the strategies."
How do I use it?
Download it here:
Why use it?
"These response logs allow me to see what students are reading and thinking about with self-selected texts [or outside readings]...The logs allow students a place to practice and demonstrate their use of the strategies they are learning in class. It is also a place for me to assess their understanding of the strategies."
How do I use it?
- Show students sample reading logs (either a previous student's or your own)
- Have students read 25 pages a week, or whatever you normally assign for homework. It might not sound like a lot, but with six other classes, it might be difficult for the student to complete any more. (Plus, you don't want them to cheat their way through the reading!) =25 points
- Have students summarize their reading in four to six sentences =10 points
- Next, have students respond to the text (this should be the largest portion of the log--12 to 15 sentences). These responses can include personal connections, questions they have, lines that interest them, conclusions they've reached about a character or plot element, or a combination of several of these. =15 points
- Finally, have students include 5 sticky notes that show they're using the strategies you're working on in class. For example, if you are working on making personal connections, they should have 5 sticky notes, each with a different thought that illustrates ways they connected with the text.
Download it here:
| Template-for-Reading-Response-logs.pdf |
(Strategy and reproducible from: Do I Really Have to Teach Reading? by Cris Tovani)
