Reading Fiction and Keeping a Reading Journal
Reading fiction—for fun and to learn
You might wonder why you’d read at all, especially fiction. We all tell stories everyday, whether recounting tales of our weekend or a funny or exciting adventure we’ve had. Everyone remembers and relates to stories far more than any factual account. When you read fiction (novel or short story) you might imagine that unless it’s for a class that you’re not learning anything and that it’s not study at all. Some people might think you’re “wasting time” while reading a book by your favourite author! Nothing could be further from the truth!
You might say, ”If I have to learn while I’m reading then it will be spoilt…and no fun!” Not true! Without even thinking about it there are some things that happen every time you read, especially if you vary the type of book (read humorous as well as adventure stories, read fantasy as well as realistic stories etc.)
You encounter words, lots of varied words, written correctly, with the accurate punctuation and in grammatical sentences. This means you can develop your vocabulary, learn to recognise correct writing, and so improve your own writing.
You enter other worlds, other places and other people’s lives. This means you can develop an understanding of the world around you… and step out the “bubble” of your own limits.
You can cross the threshold into other places, times and reality so your imagination and creativity can be enlarged.
Read. Read for enjoyment. Read for fun. Read a variety of books. A good idea is to read steadily, at least 20 minutes a day. Keep a record of the books you read. Here are some ideas to keep in the back of your mind while you read. If you are so inclined you could write a sentence or draw a picture in a reading journal in answer to any question that captures your interest while reading your novel. Not for a teacher or a parent… but for yourself to remind yourself of the experience.
What do you think will happen in the first/next chapter? Why?
Were you right? Is the author’s track more interesting? Why? Why not?
How is the character/s in the novel like/unlike people I know? Do they change?
Would you like to meet them? Why? Why not?
How is the setting in the novel like/unlike time and places I know?
Would you like to be there? Why? Why not?
Are there effective descriptions of characters, places, events? Which ones? Why?
Do the events in the novel seem realistic…within the world the author has created? Do the characters act like they really would?
How do different parts of the book make you feel?
Scared, annoyed, angry, confused, sad, embarrassed, happy etc?
What issue is the author dealing with? What do you think about while reading/after reading it? good vs evil / feeling out of place / freedom/identity/environment etc etc
Rosemary Horton Teacher Librarian
On the Uses of Studying Literature John Lye
Why literature? Why, indeed, the soul? Syed Badrul Ahsan New Age
Literature: What is it and why do we read it?
Why Read Literature? Nelson's English
Appreciating literature for what it is not Badger Herald Charles Parsons
Reading Journals Lake Ginninderra College
Study Journal StartUp Curtin University
Reading Journal Bluecat Books
Department of Education, Tasmania, School Education Division
Journals English Learning Area Teaching Strategies
Keeping a Reading Journal The GMU Writing Center Guide
Reading Journal Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Northern Illinois University
Reading Diary Gigglepotz
Reading Journal Gumbo Lesson Plans for English Teachers
Reading Journal Activities Job Cards Or Tasks To Pass Out Barbara D. Martin
