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Lit Log Response Starters

Many teachers use novels in their reading classes. While the practice of "question and answer" serves a purpose in the review of the story, I have found that using Literature Logs gives me the best idea of what each student has taken from the reading of the novel. Lit Logs are a place where students may write about how the story makes them feel. They respond to the novel with questions or opinions they may have, instead of just telling what the book is about. It gives the students the chance to stray away from the generic yes/no answers and really explore what they felt during the reading of the book. Here are just a few ideas to help students begin these responses in their logs:


I wonder what this means.....

I really don't understand this part.......

I really like/dislike this idea because......

This character reminds me of somebody I know because......

This character reminds me of myself because......

This character is like (name of character) in (title of book) because.....

I think this setting is important because.....

This scene reminds me of a similar scene in (title of book) because....

I like/dislike this writing because....

This part is very realistic/unrealistic because....

I think the relationship between ______and ______ is interesting because....

This section makes me think about, because......

I like/dislike (name of character) because.....

This situation reminds me of a similar situation in my own life. It happened when.....

The character I most admire is ________ because....

If I were (name of character) at this point, I would.....


Or, more simply:

I began to think of......

I love the way....

I can't believe....

I wonder why.......

I noticed......

I think....

If I were.......

I'm not sure......

My favorite character is.....and why.....

I like the way the author....

When I don't know a work I .....

I felt sad when.....

I wish that.....

This made me think of.....

I was surprised......

It seems like.....

I"m not sure....

Some of the illustrations .....

This story teaches....

I began to think of......


You can also direct students to take a particular section or chapter in the book and have them respond to several of these questions:

How did this section of my book make me feel?
Did it remind me of anything that has happened in my life?
Did I learn anything from it?
Can I take anything from it to improve myself?

Can I make any predictions on what may happen next?
Why do I think these things will happen?
What details in the section support my prediction?


I have found that these starters may be used as an "evaluation" after the entire book has been read:

Write:

What you like or disliked about the story, and why

What you wish had happened

What you wish the author had included

Your opinion of the characters

Your opinion of the illustrations, tables, and figures

What you felt as you read

What you noticed about how you read

Questions you have after reading