Reading Reflections Journals - Improve Critical Thinking and Reading Skills

I teach in a first through eighth grade school, and one of our school-wide programs is to have all students reading each day and keeping a reading log.  The students in middle school are supposed to write a reflection about their reading.  I have tried several methods over the years, but last year is when I feel like I had finally figured out something that works.  Years ago, I used to give the students a weekly worksheet reading log.  Using that, the students could make a connection, summarize, find a vocabulary word, tell why they enjoyed the reading, etc.  However, I found that the students' answers were very vague, and their answers lacked critical thinking and deep thought.  That is when I decided to give the students very specific questions about their readings or something to do with the reading.  I also wanted to make sure the questions had academic vocabulary included in them.  This has worked very well for me.

The students come into class and immediately work on their reading response log while I take attendance.  Having this activity also helps get them in the habit of bringing their independent reading book to class.  Here are pictures of the response prompts and how my students use them in their journals.

Some students like to glue in each question leaving space under each one.  That gives them plenty of room to draw and write as much as they want. 

Some students like the side by side look.  The students glue the reading log on the left, and they write their responses on the right.  If they need more space for the last ones, they just continue on the next page.  

This is another way I use them.  I cut them out into strips and give the strips to groups of students.  The groups usually have about 4 students each.  They use the strip to discuss or interact with a part of their book.  The question gives the students a talking point.  Sometimes I give them several questions for the group to discuss.  The strips make it more fun than just reading off of a worksheet.  You can also have the students choose the strips by putting them in a container.  It adds a little excitement to see which questions the group will pick.  

 I have found these methods to be a great way getting students to respond to their reading.  I use these strategies with stories we read together and their independent reading books.  It also raises accountability because the students know they will have to respond to their reading in class, so they are more likely to read each day.

If you are interested in this product, check out my freebie at this link.
Reading Log Freebie

If you are interested in the entire set of 65 prompts, here is the link.
Reading Response Prompts