"A book, too, can be a star, 'explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,' a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." - from Madeleine L'Engle's Newberry Medal Acceptance Speech

Monday, November 7, 2011

Notes from class: What can we do to improve our reading responses?

807 Blogs

Student mentors we looked at together:

  • Guadalupe: very good focus, structure, and elaboration; unique and interesting topic
  • Sofia: good focus and structure; good text to self connection
  • Dania: even though it is too short and needs elaboration, there is a good theme to write about and the voice is strong


What can we do to improve our blog posts/reading responses?

- Have interesting title

- Stick to one focus throught such as how one book compares to another

- Each paragraph should focus on one specific idea that relates to overall main idea

- Have a strong personal voice; show your opinions and ideas, things you care about

- Organize your ideas

- Write at least 3 paragraphs

- Great focuses:

o How has your understanding of theme of book changed?

o How does your text compare to another text?

o What is one theme that you can relate to in the text?

813 Blogs: What can we do to improve our blogs?

Siena: interesting personal connection; very good elaboration; nice lead

Isabel: very good structure and theme; nice lead

George: deep and engaging essay comparing 2 texts; very good structure

- Have a strong, clearly stated focus/main idea in intro

- Each body paragraph should have a specific focus that supports the overall main idea and there is enough supporting details

- Include personal anecdote that relates to your focus

- Express your personal feelings, ideas, opinions

- Have an engaging lead; for ex, begin with a life lesson/theme; begin with a personal anecdote or quotatation or poem

- Have a thought-provoking ending/conclusion

- Have interesting topic:

o Compare 2 texts

o Write about a personal connection

o Elaborate on a strong reaction you have to a book

o Your perception of a character; go beyond the obvious

o Controversial topic

o Begin with an important life lesson taught in the text

- Suggestions for writing:

o Jot down ideas as you read

o Write an outline

o Read mentor texts

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