Help students think critically about key story elements such as character, plot and theme with this 22-page reading response journal set.
Encourage Deeper Thinking About Literature with a Reading Response Journal
If you’re looking to introduce deep and engaging discussions about books and their meanings into your literature lessons, then this resource is for you!
This reading response journal template pack contains 22 pages of thought-provoking prompts to assist your students in responding to books they have read. Every page contains two open-ended question prompts that encourage students to think, connect and reflect with literary elements such as character, plot, theme and context.
Some of the literary elements addressed in this reader response journal include:
- Character analysis
- Themes and messages
- Plot and events
- Symbolism and imagery
- Personal connections
- Character development
- Perspective and point of view
- Conflict and resolution
- Social and cultural context
- Author’s choices
Designed to strengthen comprehension skills, boost engagement with literature and encourage deeper thinking about texts, this reading response journal pack makes a valuable addition to any elementary teacher’s toolkit!
Using This Reader Response Journal in Your Classroom
Each response journal template can be used in a variety of ways to suit your students’ needs or to align with your teaching goals. With 22 unique templates to choose from, you can tailor your reading lessons throughout the year or mix and match based on the types of books you’re exploring.
Here are some practical classroom ideas for using this resource:
- Whole-Class Discussion – Choose one of the templates to project onto your interactive whiteboard. Use the prompts to spark discussion about the focus literary element, then jot the students’ ideas onto the sheet.
- Literacy Centers – Print a selection of the templates and place them into dry erase sleeves. Create different stations where students can work together to respond to the chosen prompt. The sleeves can be wiped clean before the next group arrives.
- Independent Workbook – Create a complete copy of the reading response journal for each student. Students can work through the booklet at their own pace in class, when they have finished other work or even at home.
Download These Reading Journal Prompts
This resource downloads as an easy-print PDF or editable Google Slides file. Use the dropdown arrow on the Download button to choose your preferred format. Please note that you will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file.
For sustainability purposes, please consider printing this resource double-sided.
This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.
More Resources to Complement This Reading Response Journal
Click below to explore more handy teaching tools to use when exploring literature and its themes with your students.
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