[LIT] Grading novels?

[Barbara Punchak]

I, too, require a "reading response journal" from my students.  What I do is
type a list of "topics" students could write about. (i.e. theme, character
traits, T-S, T, W connections, predictions, surprising twists, etc.) Then I
fold the sheet and tape the list on the front cover of their reading
journals.  I emphasize that they are not to retell the story, teach how to
respond, model it often, and read other students' wonderful entries. Yet, I
still have many who simply "retell" the %$#@& book!  *aarrgghh*
Barbara

-----Original Message-----
From: lit-bounces at literacyworkshop.org
[mailto:lit-bounces at literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Horne, Jane
I like the idea of writing a reflection once a week-due on Monday.  Do you
discuss the novel in groups or whole class?  I also give them the starter
sentences to help them get started.  I am trying to get them to go back into
the text to find supprt to back their ideas. 
Jane