Help Your Child Get The Most Out of Their Reading

Previously I shared that having your child read over summer break is vital to maintaining their aptitude level. Unfortunately reading is not the same as understanding; and too often the emphasis is placed on getting through as many books as possible, which can result in merely skimming them without the benefits of expanding vocabulary or focusing on correct spelling, grammar and sentence structure.

Furthermore, cognitive science and learning research shows that “deep learning” requires gaining new information that can be connected to our own lives, which means reading comprehension is a must.

The best tool for developing this important skill is through the use of a Reflective Response Journal, which can be in the form of a composition book, legal pad, spiral notebook, or a computer document. The purpose of the journal is to foster an active, rather than passive, reader; and this exercise can be scaled to suit the age and reading level of your child.

The reflection exercise consists of responding to questions that prompt your child to explore his or her impressions and develop genuine thoughts and opinions. In other words, it serves to build valuable metacognitive skills. Therefore, entries go beyond superficial book reports, which only regurgitate the plot of the story.
Ideally, the journal entries should consist of well-formed and thoughtful responses to the types of questions listed below.
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First Impressions

• Why did I decide to read this book?
• What was one of the first things I noticed about the story?
• Who is telling the story, and how do I know this?
• Is there anything noticeably unique about the author’s style of writing?

Setting

• In what time period does the story take place, and how do I know this?
• What events do I know about that took place around the same time period?
• Where does the story take place and how do I know this?
• What places have I been that are similar to the setting of the book?
• What things do I recall happening in that similar place?

Characters

• Who are the main characters, and what are my opinions about them?
• Who is the most important character in the book, and how do I know this?
• Which characters remind me of ones from another book I have read, and what similarities do they share?
• Which characters remind me of people I know or have known in my life, and what similarities do they share?
• Who is my favorite character so far and why?

(The next three sets of questions could be answered between chapters or before putting the book down for a break.)
Feelings

• What am I enjoying about the book so far and why?
• What is bothering me about the book so far and why?
• How does the story make me feel overall?
• What do I think about what is happening in the story right now?
• What does the book makes me wonder about?
• In what ways does the book relate to me and my life so far?

What Is Surprising

• Did I learn something new that conflicts with my previous belief about that topic?
• Did I learn something fascinating that I didn’t expect?

Things I Have Noticed

• What is the mood of the story, and what events does the author introduce to create it?
• What are some ways the author creates suspense?
• What do I think is going to happen next?
• What clues does the author give about how the story might end?

Final Thoughts

• What is my impression about the ending, and is it different from what I expected?
• How would I have ended the story?
• How would I describe this book to someone and why?
• What would I ask or say to the author if we were to meet?

An added benefit of the journal is that it can also be used to correct spelling, grammar and sentence structure errors and develop effective writing skills.

So, get your child started with using a Reflective Response Journal for each book they read, and watch them blossom into more thoughtful and engaged readers!