Elevating Reading Engagement with a Customized Pages Reading Journal

Hello Apple Professional Learning Community! Check out the latest #DPTech resource!

I am thrilled to share a project that has been a game-changer in my classroom – a Digital Reading Journal created using Pages. This innovative tool not only encourages students to actively engage with their reading but also offers a dynamic and customizable experience that fosters creativity and critical thinking.

Key Features:

1. Choice Boards: The Digital Reading Journal boasts two interactive menu pages filled with exciting options. Students can choose from a variety of activities, including writing prompts, drawing challenges, and more. This not only keeps things fresh but also caters to different learning preferences.
2. Daily Reflections: Designed to be used every other day, each journal entry prompts students to record crucial information such as the pages they read and the pages they should have read (so they know if they're getting behind). Additionally, 2-4 thought-provoking questions about the material encourage deeper comprehension and analysis.
3. Personalized Engagement: The menu page doesn't just offer variety; it allows students to tailor their reading experience. Whether they prefer to express themselves through writing, drawing, or another medium, there's an option for everyone. This personalization ensures that every student finds a meaningful way to connect with the material.

Sample Prompts:

• Choose one character who could be deleted from the book entirely and explain why.
• If you were living in your book's setting, what are some things you might see? Describe them in detail.
• Write a factual newspaper article over an event that happened in your book.
• Create a drawing that illustrates the inside of a character's mind.
• Choose a character the author wants you to dislike. What is the author's attitude toward this character, and how do you know?

How to Get Started:

1. Access the Template: The Digital Reading Journal template is available on Pages, making it easily accessible for both teachers and students.
2. Customization: Feel free to adapt and modify the template based on your students' needs and the specific goals of your reading program.
3. Encourage Exploration: Foster a sense of exploration by allowing students to choose their preferred activities. This autonomy not only enhances engagement but also promotes a love for reading.

Benefits:

• Active Participation: Students actively engage with the material through a variety of activities, catering to diverse learning styles.
• Regular Reflection: The bi-daily journal entries encourage consistent reflection, promoting a deeper understanding of the material.
• Creativity Unleashed: By incorporating drawing, writing, and other creative activities, the journal taps into students' diverse talents and interests.

Screenshots:

Here are some screenshots of the first few pages, including the choice boards and a sample completed entry. NOTE: the #DPTech logo will not appear on your download.

Cover Page

Choice Board 1

Choice Board 2

Sample Journal Page (completed)

Share Your Experience:

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this Digital Reading Journal. Have you tried similar approaches, or do you have unique ideas to enhance it further? Let's collaborate and elevate the reading experience for our students!

Happy reading!

Attachments

Digital Reading Journal Template.pages

Download  (5.8 MB)