Reading Responses

  After you read a book, don’t you just want to talk about it?  Maybe even write a little about it?  Or even see what others think about the book?  As an adult, I participate in a book club with some friends.  I absolutely love it.  I love to hear what others have to say or how they feel on a certain part.  With a cup of coffee…oh-yeah!  (I know I’m such a dork).  Well, children are the same way.  They want to respond to the book too. 

  To establish the love of reading, I think it’s important for children to discuss what they read, with their peers, with you, and with their parents.  In addition, it’s also important to write something about the book…it’s important to ‘let it out' (note: not every time but most of the time).  Don’t you think?

  Here is a chart to show some different ways to discuss and write about a book or story.  I know there are so many more.  I would love to hear your ideas in the comments section.

   After a child reads a book, one way to respond is through writing in a journal.  I call my journal simply ‘reading response journal’.  However, a student can get bored responding the same way every time.  Here is a freebie to differ responses.  Students could partner up and question each other on the story they are reading.  Here are some ‘Partner Response Question Cards’.  Just click HERE to receive them. 

  Another way is to give students bookmarks with questions about the book or story.  These bookmarks that I’ve created here are a fun, engaging, and different way to respond.  You can find these at A Modern Teacher’s Store on Teachers Pay Teachers.

What different ways do you like students to respond?  I’ve love to get more ideas.