Writing Reader Response Journals
In this 4 part series, students will use good reading strategies to help make sense of what they've read and write well-developed paragraphs to show their understanding.
Kelly Sage
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(111)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Students will use a variety of reading strategies to help them better understand what they are reading. After reading a shared text out loud, students will learn and practice writing reader response journals to dive deeper into their understanding. Students will also be provided with lessons and written examples to help them become more proficient writers. We'll be looking at paragraph structure, topic and concluding sentences, and citing evidence from the text in our writing. Students will need to be able to follow along with a text aimed at young adults. They will need paper and a pencil/pen. Reading strategies not only allow a reader to engage and understand a text, but they also make reading a lot more enjoyable. Once students know how to use these reading strategies, the strategies will be applicable to any text they are reading. As the class works through the text, students will be asked to share their findings. They will also be encouraged to message me their reader response journal and receive one-on-one feedback. Class at a Glance- Topics and Teachings- reading strategies, writing reader response journals, literary terms relevant to each text. Class Structure- Reading of text, writing reader response journals, and class discussion are a part of each class. Teaching Style- I believe in a student-centered classroom where each student's voice, ideas, and questions are valid and encouraged. I also believe in having a structure to assure all learners can learn. Once enrolled, students are sent my class agreements which outline the expectations for our class. These are simple and include things like only one of us will talk at a time and no question is a dumb question. Teacher/Student Interaction- Students are encouraged to participate orally or via chat, however, they feel most comfortable. They can also message me with questions. Prior Knowledge- It may be helpful to take my introduction or 4 part series, Reading Comprehension- Using Good Reading Strategies to Understand What We Read first, though it is not required.
Learning Goals
Students will use and learn how to use reading strategies, write reader response journals to improve comprehension and think critically about what they are reading.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I use text appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students. Many of the texts deal with real-life issues.
Supply List
In order to write their reader response journals, students may want to print multi-page handouts of the shared text. These will be posted in the classroom after each class. They can also read the text on a screen that allows them to highlight and underline. Students will also want to have access to the annotate feature on Zoom. We practice active reading so it is important the students can highlight and underline the text. Students will still be able to participate if their computer does not have this feature.
2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2017
4.9
111reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from Radford University
I offer this class because I am passionate about helping children learn and love to read and write. I spent nine years working with middle and high school students, many of who struggled with reading and writing. For six of those years, I taught at a school for children with dyslexia. I have found reading strategies and reader response journals are hands down the best way to help kids understand what they are reading. Reviews
Live Group Class
$50
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
5-10 learners per class
