READING RESPONSE JOURNAL GUIDELINES

As you do your summer reading, keep a "response journal" in a notebook or on the computer.
Your entries are to be responses to the literature you are reading. Think independently and write
imaginatively. Your ideas, opinions, and thoughts about your reading are important. This journal
will become the basis for your English assignments during the initial weeks of school, and must be
brought to class on the first day of school. For each book you must have at least two entries. Use
each of the following prompts at least once. You must have a total of eight entries, except for the
incoming 7th grade, which will have six entries. Your journal grade will be based on the quality of
your entries.

1. Write about a memory or experience of your own that is similar to something you've read in
   your book.
2. Write a reaction to something you have read. Describe your initial impression. Were you
   angry? Did something make you laugh or surprise you? Explain why.
3. Write an interview between you and the main character of your book.
4. Imagine you are one of the characters in the story. Write a diary entry that reflects your
   thoughts and feelings about an event in your life.
5. Make a connection between this book and another book, movie, or event. Explain any
   similarities or differences.

this page last updated: 31-May-2011