|Reading Journal for Intermediate Students
Step 1: Read the title, study the cover illustrations, read the blurb on the back, and read the first page of the story.
Step 2: In your journal write the date, title, and author of this book (Underline the title!)
Write and complete the following paragraph
I think that _____________________________________________ because the cover showed ______________________________________________________. I also think that __________________________________because on the first page/blurb the author wrote, " _______________________________________
Step 3: Read the first two chapters-In a book without chapters, stop after the first 5 pages
Step 4: Skip a line, write the date, and write and complete the following paragraph
The main character(s) in this book is/are ________________________. I think he/she/they are trying to ______________________________because on page ___ the author wrote, "___________________________________________________
Step 5: Read until you reach the second to last chapter. In a book without chapters, stop before the last five pages
Step 6: Skip a line, write the date, and go to the next line, indent and complete the following paragraph in your journal
I think that ______________________________________ because on page __ the author wrote, "_________________________________________." Finally, I think that _______________________________________because on page __ the author wrote, "________________________________________________________
Step 7: Finish reading the story
Step 8: Reread all of your predictions. In the right hand margin, write a C if your prediction is correct OR write a sentence correcting your prediction.
Step 9: Write a response to all topics on "Reading Journal Responses" sheet. You must explain why you feel/think this way.
Step 10: Complete a story map and put your journal in "Teacher Edit" basket
Reading Journal Responses
Message of Author
I think the author wrote this book because he/she wanted the reader to ...
I am comparing this book to the book titled ... written by ... . They are
alike because ... . Another reason why they are alike is ... . They are different
because... . Finally, they are different because ... .
You may draw a Venn diagram to compare the two books. Make sure you put the title and author at the top of each circle. You must focus your answer on problem, solution, lessons(s) learned, and characters.
The character I liked best was ___________________ because... .
This is a good/bad title for the book because ... .
The most interesting part of the story was when ... because ... .
I like/dislike this book because... .
| Welcome to my Reading Journal page. I have successfully used this journal format with third, fourth, and fifth graders. Over the years it has evolved to one of writing predictions and providing support along with responding to other ideas. It promotes independence and is a great opportunity for children to be involved with reading and writing while you are working with small reading groups. The children can self-select a book to read or you can choose the books to be read by small groups. I grade the journal using a rubric. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me using the link below.
The first journal I presently use with my third graders and ESL students. It is meant to be used as a journal where they fill in the blanks. The second journal I used with intermediate grades. They actually write what I have included in the directions. I have taken the rubric included and adapted it for the primary/ESL journal.
**E-mail me if you would like a copy of the intermediate journal in booklet form.
|Reading Journal Rubric
Student's Name: _____________________________________ Date: _______________
___Predicted what story might be about when referring to the front cover(Step 2)
___Wrote different prediction referring to the first page or the blurb(Step 2)
___Identified the main character(s) (Step 4)
___Predicted what main problem would be with support (Step 4)
___Made two different predictions which referred to the story (Step 6)
___Checked predictions with a C or with a sentence (Step 8)
___Student's strong involvement with books and reading is apparent when evaluating responses to Reading Journal Response sheet (Ideas are supported with explanations/evidence)
___Extended responses of story elements on story map(setting, characters & plot)
___Writing demonstrates an understanding of the conventions of English(5 or less errors)
___Able to recall details from the story and comprehend what was read
___Predicted what story might be about when referring to the front cover (Step 2)
___Wrote different prediction but unable to provide appropriate support(First page/blurb)
___Identified the main character(s)
___Predicted what main problem might be with support (Step 4)
___Made two different predictions but unable to provide appropriate support(Step 6)
___Checked most predictions with a C or with a sentence (Step 8)
___Lack of explanation indicating thoughtful reflection and/or interpretation of ideas to
Reading Journal Responses sheet
___General understanding of story elements (setting, characters & plot)
___Writing demonstrates a general understanding of the conventions of English(5+ errors)
___Some difficulty recalling details - this did not interfere with comprehension
___Unable to predict and provide support when referring to front cover and first page or blurb including no variety when comparing predictions
___Great difficulty making predictions and providing support (Step 4 & 6)
___Checked most predictions
___Little or no evidence to indicate thoughtful reflection to items on Reading Journal Response sheet
___Insufficient explanation of story elements (setting, characters, and plot)
___Writing demonstrates minimal understanding of the conventions of English
___Difficulty reacalling details from story which interfered with comprehension
___Unable to make predictions
___No supporting evidence to make an evaluation
___Not enough writing to evaluate
___Inaccurate/irrelevant details indicating a serious misunderstanding of the story
|Primary Journal and ESL Journal
Complete the next section after reading the cover, blurb, and first page For the blurb or first page, you must quote words that the author used as your support. Use quotation marks!
I think that _______________________________________________________
because the cover picture showed ________________________________________
I also think that _______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________ because on the first page/blurb the author wrote_____________________________
Complete the next section after reading half way through your book - You must use quotation marks when you copy words from your book for support.
The main character(s) in this book is/are ________________________________
I think that the main problem is _________________________________________
because on page _____ the author wrote ____________________________________
Complete the next section before reading the last two chapters - You must use quotation marks when you copy words from your book for support.
I think that ________________________________________________________
because on page ___ the author wrote _____________________________________
Finally, I think that _____________________________________________________
because on page ____ the author wrote _____________________________________
Complete the next section after you have finished reading the book
Reading Journal Responses
Message of Author What lesson did the author want you to learn?
I think the author wrote this book because he/she wanted the reader to learn that _____________________________________________________________________
Comparison - You must compare the main problem and the solution in each book.
I am comparing this book to the book titled _______________________________
written by _________________________________________________________.
They are alike because __________________________________________________
They are different because _______________________________________________
You must use at least one of the following character traits when telling why you liked this character:
Respect - Treating others the way you want to be treated
Responsibility - Being dependable and making good choices
Honesty - Being truthful and sincere
Trustworthiness - others can count on a person to do the right thing
Integrity - Making the right choices that help a person be the best he/she could be
Fairness - Taking turns, sharing, and listening to what others have to say
Compassionate - Being kind and thoughtful toward others
Citizenship - Obeying rules and working to make your community a better place
Perseverance - Never giving up
The character I liked best was _________________________________ because
Title How does the title connect with the story?
This is a good title for the book because __________________________________
Most Interesting Part of the Story
The most interesting part of the story was when __________________________
I liked/disliked this book because _______________________________________