Written Reading Response: 6 Simple Ways

Reading and writing can be so fun, especially when you simply can read and write about your thoughts. How can we make reading written responses a powerful and engaging activity? Here are Six Simple Ways to do Written Reading Response.

3-2-1 Reading Response

This is a reading response you can do while you read a fictional narrative or literary nonfiction.

• 3 Events: Paraphrase 3 main events from the story.
• 2 Words: Jot down 2 words you found interesting. Then use a dictionary to write the definition or synonyms.
• 1 Wish: Write 1 way you wish the story would have been different.

At First, But Now

This reading response has two parts: before you read and after you read.

1. Before Reading: read the title, look at the cover, and then write what you think.
2. After Reading: reflect on the main events or main ideas of the text, and then write your new thinking.

     At First, I think…But now I think…

Create a Postcard

A postcard is a quick note you send to someone to share where you are and what you’re doing. Create a postcard about your reading by:

• Sketch a picture about a favorite event or idea in the text.
• Write:
  • Why did you choose this text?
  • What do you like in it?
  • What would you change in it?
  • Do you recommend the author?
  • What will you read next?

Text to Self Connections

After reading, reflect on what you read and think, “How does this text connect to my own life?” You can use this sentence frame to help:

In the text, I thought _____ was interesting because _____. In my own life this reminds me of ____, because _____. I believe _____, because the text said _____.

Text to Text Connections

During reading, think about how this text connects or relates to another text, story, or song and write a comp. You can use this sentence frame to help:

In this text, _____, this reminds me of ____, because they both ____.

Character To-Do Lists

If the author made a to-do list for a main character, what would it say?

• What does the character want to do?
• What does the character have to do?
• What do other characters make the character do?
• What does the character do for/with other characters?
• What are the character’s responsibilities?
• Who does the character go to for help?

Thanks for reading, I hope you found a helpful way to respond to texts. Feel free to browse these related strategies: