Use Reading Logs to elicit deeper meanings. I want you to react to what you read in four ways. You do not have to keep writing the words reflect, connect, predict and question. Just make paragraphs. Go here to help you think about the things you need to write.

 The following example is from The Friday Everything Changed by Ann Hart

1. Reflect - I felt it was brave of Alma to speak up and ask Ms. Ralston why the girls didn't get to carry the water. But what happened next surprised me. I didn't think it was right for Ms. Ralston to leave her students slug it out over the next week. I guess she felt they'd get it out of their system and she did tell them she would think about it until next Friday, so she was true to her word. The students sort of worked off their anger and as the author said it helped the girls get closer and get to know each other better.

2. Connect- When I was in grade 4, I used to play ball with the boys. Mostly because the ball field was on our land and I felt I had a right to play. The boys always resented my playing and would do everything they could to get me out. They cheated and yelled, but I stood my ground. I know how the girls felt about inequality. It wasn't right that they didn't get to carry the water and I felt it wasn't right that girls weren't allowed to play ball.

Another connection I had with this story is that when I went to school we had attached seats. Two people sat together most of the year. I always got stuck with the worst boy in the class. Inevitably, he would put his trash in my side of the desk drawer or he would put bugs on my neck. They would always take my pens and erasers without asking permissiion. (This story reminds me of the novel The Pit because......)

3. Question - I wonder why Ms. Ralston didn't get involved with her students fighting? I would find it hard to let them go and be mean to each other. I also couldn't figure out why the boys didn't try to get back at Alma more, but I guess locking her in the outhouse was bad enough. Would they get in more trouble if they did worse things to her? Did Ms. Ralston really respect the students or was she figuring out how to get the girls to carry the bucket because she was on their side all along?

4. Predict - I think that Ms. Ralston will help the boys see that girls can do anything they can do. I think she'll come into class carrying the water bucket one morning or maybe two water buckets. Then they'll know girls are equal.

You can change the order of the above. For example sometimes you can begin with some questions you have. Or you can put the questions in with your reflections. Make your writing real reactions not rote thoughts. Examine the issues in the book. Connect to other books you have read. Keep in mind the whole idea is to READ and WRITE! To gain deeper understanding of what you are reading.