What is the purpose of a "reading response journal"?

A reading response journal is designed primarily for students to log their reflections on their reading experiences. This type of journal encourages personal engagement with the text, allowing readers to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations as they read. Through writing in a reading response journal, students can explore their reactions to characters, themes, and events in the story, fostering deeper comprehension and connections to the material.

By reflecting on what they have read, students can develop their analytical skills, encourage critical thinking, and promote a love for reading. This practice also helps teachers gain insights into students' understanding and attitudes toward reading, informing instruction and supporting literacy development. The act of journaling about reading experiences cultivates a habit of thinking about the text, which contributes significantly to developing overall reading comprehension and engagement.