In this course, through the Inquiry Audit Trail and my entire educational career, I have had to reflect on everything read, taught and written. Reflection is key to further inquiry. I decided to help inquiry in my classroom by turning their reading journals into a reflection journal or entry.
At first, I had my students write the days of the week down a page in their journal. They needed to first begin with the question…What do you think this book is about? I want to add/change it to be, “What do you think this book is about and what proof do you have based on your previewing?
Then the other 4 days of the week, they must write about what they read and make a connection to their reading. They are also allowed to reflect about anything they read in that day’s blank space; that they thought stood out, they want to revisit, use in their writing, or seems important to them. I have also told them that they are free to reflect in anytime that they want, but they must have at least one reflection about their American Revolution book that they are reading during reading workshop each day.
Angie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your Reflection Journals that you are using in your classroom. This is a great way to have students dig deeper into what they are learning. There is so much you can do with this, and it helps you to get to know your students better. Another idea is to add that students can write down any questions they have about their reading. I also love that they are free to go to their journals at any time to write.
I love that you are asking for proof! My kids struggle with this so much. When we practice the Text Dependent Analysis, it is awful!! I try to teach them the answers are right there in the text and all they have to do is look. For some it makes them feel like they are "Cheating" if they look back in the text. I love this idea! -Brandi Nolan
ReplyDeleteHi Angie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that reflection is essential for growth and I am thankful for the opportunity you are giving your students to reflect. I am wondering about other questions you could post that could promote critical thinking about their content area reading and research as well, such as "What did you learn about the American Revolution? How do you know the information is accurate? What new questions do you have or what do you want to learn more about?
Sincerely,
Dawn