This week I will be introducing Reading Response Logs to my sixth grade students. I got the idea and format from Chris Tovani’s book Do I Really Have to Teach Reading? I have had my sixth graders do these since 2005. With Reading Response Logs, I have seen great improvement with their writing along with their written expression. Reading Response Logs are also a great way to track whether or not your students are reading. I have assigned my students a day to turn in their logs from Monday to Thursday each week. I have 2 sixth grade classes, so I don’t want to be overloaded with grading these. Staggering the days does help significantly.
Before assigning the logs, I present to them a power point that I designed from one of our stories from the reading book. During the power point, I model how I am thinking and how I would place my thoughts onto a sticky note. I even have my students help me come up with thoughts. After presenting the power point, I will have my students staple the format and example log into their 3 subject spiral notebook, which is labeled Reading Response Log. I created a sample log that shows them exactly what to do when it’s time for them to do a log on their own. I will also show them student examples of a response log from previous students.
The next day I will have the students practice writing a log from the story in our reading books. After using the reading book, they will use an AR book that they choose to read. With my lower students, I allow them to use the reading book for a few weeks longer so that they can get the hang of it.
I enjoy reading their logs and seeing their progress throughout the year!
I am big on CHIPS! I take 2 points per error except for run ons and fragments. I take 4 points off for those.
CAPITALIZATION
HANDWRITING
INDENTING
PUNCTUATION
SPELLING
I am teaching reading in the Social Studies content area for the first time (90 min. block). I agree with your ideas and would like to see your response log sheet and example. Thanks for posting your thoughts and procedures.
Susan
On the post above, click on response log sheet and example response log right above the punctuation pictures.