Character Journals

I am always excited and curious every time I walk into this class because we learn something valuable that we could actually use in the classroom. Today's lesson was mainly focused on other activities and strategies that we could incorporate in our literature groups. The SQCP (Summarize, Question, Clarify and Predict) is a good tool to use to get the conversation going for the groups because it gives you guidelines on what the group can talk about. Although we didn't necessarily do it as an activity, the Literature Response Logs looks effective because prior to the students getting into their Literature Circle, their thoughts and opinions have crystallized wherein they could just talk about it and "share notes" with others.

I've done character journals in my class last year and I agree to it being very effective, the kids loved it and I actually received a higher positive turnout on this activity. Being put in the shoes of the character creates more involvement in the story, thus making it more interesting.