WRITTEN LITERATURE RESPONSE

What is a written literature response? A quick response to a text. Usually only applicable to planning or drafting stages unless further discussion or publishing of the response is the goal.

Some responses may be published as reports or recommendations. In such a case, students would proceed through all the steps of the writing process.

When do I use a written response? A literature response can be used as a follow up to a read aloud, shared reading and/or guided reading lessons. Choose times and activities that target the needs of your learners.

What is the format of a written response? A written response can take many forms, each being focused on a related comprehension strategy. (analying, sequencing, making connections, predicting, inferring, synthesizing, evaluating, self-monitoring) (*** Access LESSON PLAN TEMPLATES for different literature responses via the DASHBOARD.

SUPPORTED LITERATURE RESPONSE

1. Read or provide a sample mentor text (book/exemplar) that focuses on the type of text structure you wish to teach.
2. Choose an appropriate type of written response based on student needs/purpose and demonstrate how to ...
3. Provide a rubric that clearly outlined the expections for good written response. (Here are a few examples and descriptions):

• Sticky Notes: At the end of guided reading, ask students to write a response related to the focus of the lesson. (e.g. "Draw and write to explain how the main character solved their problem", "Tell one thing you want to know more about," "What was one thing that confused you?" "Why did ...")
• Bookmarks:
  • Have students write a short summary and evaluation on a book mark. These book recommendations can then be left in books for other students.
  • Students draw a picture with a sentence and place the bookmark on a page that includes the material it was about.
  • Students write questions they have about the text on their bookmark to bring to the guided reading group for clarification.
• Change the TEXT: Students use a patterned sentence from a text and change the existing words with their word. (This is great for beginning readers)
• STORY BOXES/FACT SUMMARIES - Summarize the ideas or facts for each story element/event or nonfiction section of the text.
• Check out many more reading response prompts HERE!
• Find a wealth of information and resources related to written responses HERE.

4. While demonstrating, model how to write the response (exemplar) and use strategies such as "turn and talk" to help students solidify their responses and gain confidence.

5. Remove the exemplar and have students write their own response.

6. Share responses.

INDEPENDENT LITERATURE RESPONSE

1. Read or provide a sample mentor text (book/exemplar) that focuses on the type of text structure you wish to teach.
2. Outline the purpose: to demonstrate understanding, to identify misunderstandings, to give your opinion, etc.

3. Have students write their response

4. Share and discuss.