What does a check-plus reader’s reaction look like?

 A check-plus reaction is equivalent to a 95. We do not receive 100’s because there is always room for improvement in our writing.  A Reader’s Reaction is NOT a summary of what you have read. A summary will receive a 75. Your Reader’s Workshop folders should show your improvement as a writer. If you continually turn in summaries, you are not demonstrating improvement.

 Specific details regarding the character/situation you are reacting to:  “I dislike [character’s name] because he is a rude, disrespectful person. When he made fun of [character] in the lunchroom, I became irate. You have to be a truly unhappy person to make fun of others…”  “I can relate to [character] because her parents are divorcing, and the divorce is hard on her. When my parents divorced two years ago, I learned the hard way that sometimes you cannot control your circumstances, but you can make the best of them…”

 You could make a prediction…but be specific.  “I predict that [character] will be knocked down a few pegs by [another character]. At least, I hope so!”  “I hope that [character] doesn’t let all of her success go to her head. I think she might become a little arrogant due to all of the attention she is receiving.”

 Vague, general statements…I need to be shown that you are reading the book! If I cannot tell that you have read anymore than the summary, your “reaction” will receive a check minus, or a 75.  Avoid statements like, “I relate to this character because she is nice like me.” Ok, so she is nice. Lots of people are nice, but telling me she is nice doesn’t give me any specific information about the character. How about a specific example to follow this statement?

 Summaries!  “First, there’s this girl named _______ and she has a dog named Rover. Then the girl and her brother get into trouble because they go where they are not supposed to go…”  Remember, I do not want a summary of what you have read! REACT to what you have read!

 To “The Old Willis Place”  I almost came out of my chair when old Mrs. Willis chased after Diana and her little brother, Georgie! I don’t understand why that old hag has to make everyone else miserable just because she is upset. Her rules are ridiculous—she criticizes Georgie for playing around the house. He is a child! Of course he is going to play! Mrs. Willis needs to get a life, or at least let other people live theirs!

 Be specific…it is better to be too specific than not specific enough!  Tell me what you think about characters/situations….don’t give me a summary of what you have read!  Re-read your reactions before you turn them in…remember grammar counts!!