Resources on Early Learning

Tip Sheets

Introduce literature response journals after the class has discussed a story.

• Invite the children to put their ideas about the story on paper. Start with some suggestions: "You could draw what you think one of the characters looks like. You can make a drawing of something that happens in the story. You can try writing some words, too."
• Give each child a pencil and a sheet of paper. You might want to make booklets for them by folding and stapling several sheets of paper, or keep a file folder for each child's journal pages.
• Begin with 3-5 minutes for responses. Lengthen or shorten the time allotted depending on how long children take to finish.
• Explain that each journal entry includes the date when it was written. Some teachers provide a date stamp that children can use to date their entries. Others print the day's date where children can see it and copy it.
• If a child wants to write a caption, let him dictate or help him sound out words.
• Let children decorate their file folders or journal covers.

Use the journals to spark discussion.

• Spend time with each child throughout the week to look at his or her response journal and to talk about what is in it.
• Invite children to share journals with others in the classroom. After a child explains one of her entries, ask, "Who has a question or something to say about Mary's journal entry?" Make a schedule to assure that each child gets a turn weekly.
• Set aside time for pairs of children to discuss their journal entries.
• Keep your own journal of drawings and captions. Share entries after the children finish theirs, so they do not think they should copy your work.

Extend the journal activities.

• Invite children to make up new endings to a story.
• If reading a book over several days, ask children to draw what they think will happen next. Let them share their predictions with classmates.
• Encourage detailed entries by offering crayons, colored pencils, or special papers.

The following Web resource may give you additional ideas about literature response journals for preschool age children.

• A Journal for Corduroy: Responding to Literature
  http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=30
• IEL Interactive Chat: Encouraging Literacy Development in Preschoolers
  http://illinoisearlylearning.org/chat/scott/index.htm

The opinions, resources, and referrals provided in this Tip Sheet are intended for information purposes only and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise parents to seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding their child’s health or medical conditions.

Spanish: Pequeños autores: Diarios de respuestas literarias

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