Literature response journals : successful implementation in a balanced literacy program

When balancing their literacy program, classroom teachers take into consideration many components of reading. They know that they must look at each student to see where his or her strengths and weaknesses are. They then plan instruction based on this assessment. One way is to teach how to respond to literature, which is a valuable way to reflect and clarify while reading. It allows the students to work at their own level and become engaged in literature. The literature response journal can be used in conjunction with any literacy program. It provides a way for the teacher and student to discuss books on a regular basis. It also gives teachers a valuable look at each student\u27s reading and writing. To successfully implement literature response journals, the teacher needs to take on three roles: manager, reader/assessor, and responder. Each role allows the teacher to play a part in balancing his/her literacy program