Reading+Response+Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Responses
 * Q: How often will I write in my reading response blog? When do I write in it?**
 * For first quarter, we'll start by following a one-week-on, one-week off schedule. That is, you will post to your blog every other week. You will write your entries for homework. You can write them at home or during study hall.


 * Q: When are my posts due?**
 * You must post your latest entry to your blog before you come to language arts class on Fridays. Warning -- all posts contain a timestamp that lets a reader (including Ms. S) know exactly when an entry was posted to your blog!


 * Q: What do I need to include in my posts?**
 * A reading response post consists of two basic parts -- a //summary// and a //response//.
 * Begin your letter by giving the title, author, and genre of the book you're writing about. Then give a short summary (around 4-6 sentences) of the book. Do try to avoid giving away any big surprises of the end). If you haven't finished the book, just summarize what you've read so far. If you're writing about the same book you wrote about the week before, summarize what you read since you last wrote about it.
 * Next, write a response to your reading (8-12 sentences). What are your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the book you are reading? Remember, there are lots of different ways readers respond to the books they're reading. You might tell what you felt when you read and why. Or tell what you noticed about how the author wrote. You may make a personal connection or write about how the book reminds you of another book you've read. You can tell how you read the book and why. You may want to make predictions or ask questions. You could discuss why you like or dislike a character in the book. You may want to talk about that you like or don't like about the book and explain why. You may want to discuss what you learned from reading the book or how the book changed the way you look at something. You can tell what a book said and meant to you. Tell what what surprised you. You can ask questions or ask for help. You could write down a passage from the book and explain what why you think it's important or how it's an example of good writing. There's all sorts of ways to respond!


 * Q: How do I begin my response?**
 * You can click here for a list of response starters -- the starters on the list aren't the only ways you can begin, but if you're feeling stuck they can help.


 * Q: How do I write a good response?**
 * First, make sure you're reading a book that you're enjoying and one that's on your personal reading level. It's tough to think and write about books that are boring or too difficult for you.
 * Second, be an active reader. That means you're actively thinking about what you're reading as you read. Periodically stop and think about what you've read. What's in your head? Perhaps use sticky notes or a piece of paper to record the thinking that you're doing as you read. That way you'll have things to write about when you sit down to write your post.
 * When writing your response, just focus on one or two main ideas and make sure you go into depth and use details or examples from the text to support your ideas. For example, if you say you like a particular character because she's brave, give an example or two from the book that shows that she's brave. If you make a prediction about what you think will happen in the book, explain how you came up with that prediction -- what clues from the text give you an idea of what might happen next? if you say you like how the author writes descriptively, share a passage or two from the book where you think the author is really being descriptive. You might want to write about what descriptive techniques the writer used, or what you learned from the writing that you could use in your writing.


 * Q: Is there a place where I can see a sample post?**
 * Yes -- you'll get to see and read several examples in class. Periodically I'll be posting on my blog too and you can use those posts to get an idea of how to write yours too.


 * Q: Will other people be able to read and post to my blog?**
 * Yes! It's highly encouraged! The idea is to use our blogs as a way for us to talk to each other about the books we're reading. It's a great tool for building a reading community outside the four walls of our classroom. Not only will your fellow classmates read and respond to your posts, but you may get responses from me, other teachers, and maybe even Mr. Whittle!


 * Q: How will my reading response blog be graded?**
 * Your weekly blog entry counts as classwork (which is a 15% grade). Its regular, on-time completion also influences your overall reading workshop grade which Ms. S determines at the end of each quarter. Click here to see a copy of the rubric that will be used to assess your posts.


 * Q: How do I post to my blog?**
 * Write your post on your blog. When you are finished typing it, check it to make sure everything looks okay. Then in the subject box, type the title of your book (if it's really long, you can abbreviate it). Click publish and you've done it!


 * Q: What if I have other questions?**
 * Let me know what questions you have, and I'll post the answers here!