Mr. Go – ENG1DP – Novel – updated Sept 2009
Reading Logs with a Twist: The Triple-Entry Notebook (T.E.N.)
The Triple-Entry Notebook provides: a brief summary of the reading, an opportunity for active reflection of the readings, a script for small and large group discussion, a source for written peer responses to the content, and fodder for future writing pieces.
What you need: a) a spiral-bound notebook with 8.5 x 11” lined paper (most dollar stores
have these). 100 pages (minimum) should suffice. 150 or more if you
have large handwriting.
b) Elements of the Story handout, novel.
c) an active imagination and curiosity to tap into your piece of literature.
What you do: Once you have read your assigned block of reading
(e.g., three chapters), begin a T.E.N. entry on that block that
follows the following format each entry should consist of at least two summary and two reflection pages minimum:
① Summary/Analysis: to the LEFT of the coil: Write the date, title, author, chapter and
pages of the reading at the top.
Refer to and use the seven general elements of story as a guide (see handout): narrative structure, conflict, character development, theme (message about life), setting, point of view, literary devices. Comment on as many different elements as possible (minimum of three).
You may choose any appropriate means of summarizing the reading: hand-write the entries in ink. Use strategies such as comparison T-charts, maps, timelines, visual character sketches, sociograms, family trees, landscape images, plot graphs, venn diagrams, flow charts. Be sure to support all your ideas with cited quotations directly from the text.
②Personal reflection: to the RIGHT of the coil: facing the summary, reflect on points you made. You will need to select only the ones that seem worth exploring further. How do you respond to the content? How does it relate to your experiences, other readings, expectations? What questions do you have? Where have your ideas changed/been confirmed? Be sure to explore WHY here. (see the section below entitled “writing prompts”).
③Peer Reflections: Here’s your chance to respond to someone else’s ideas. The responses to the readings should be more than “I like this idea”. They should reflect thoughtful views of the content of the reading. What does it mean if I accept or reject this view? What are the implications? Why does this person feel this way? Play devil’s advocate by challenging the assumptions of your peer. As a Peer commenter you should: pose specific questions that ask your TEN writer to clarify ideas, that challenges his/her biases or perspectives, encourages elaboration (especially if Summary is full, but reflection is not). You may share anecdotes that connect your thoughts and experiences to student (and author’s) writing. Sample prompts for commenter: I know how that feels because…; I know what you mean… ______has also happened to me when ______; Why do you think ______is so? What if _____ happened?; I (dis)agree with your point about ______because I too believe (or I don’t believe) that…; I hear about ______on the news (or in this book, or on the Net – specify); I wish that …
The Notebook as Dialogue: These Notebooks will serve as the basis for both small and whole class discussion. The initial entries are preliminary: your first encounters with the content. They can be altered, or extended through the exchange of reflections in class. Others in your discussion group will respond to your reflections. For these purposes, be sure to create wide margins (1.5 inches) around your writing for peer responses. You might prefer to leave a space at the bottom of the Notebook page to record peer responses as well.
1. Summary: Wyndham, The Chrysalids chs. 1 - 3Narrative Structure
- Exposition…. “______” (Wyndham 23)- Rising Action
Setting
Chrono: “______” (Wyndham 23)Soio-economic:
Geographical:
Char. Chart
Personality / Phys-ical / Action / Speech/thoughts / Hearsay
David
Sophie
/ 3.
Peer
Com-ment-ary / 2. Reflection / 3.
Some Writing Prompts to Help you get Started
If you are having trouble getting started, use the following lines to begin.
1. I was impressed by…
2. I noticed that…
3. I wonder about…
4. Some questions I have are…
5. I don’t understand…
6. I now understand why/how/what…
7. Something I noticed/appreciate/don’t appreciate/wonder about is…
8. I predict…
9. An interesting word/sentence/ thought is…
10. This part of the story makes me feel…
11. This reminds me of…
12. I never thought…
13. I was surprised by…
Evaluation Criteria:
organization of notebook (use of headings) 5
detailed summary of selected readings (with cited evidence) 10
reflective nature of entries 10
inclusion of peer responses based on sharing 5