Double-Entry Journals: Connecting Experiences to Text

Summary by Lynne Williams

Double-entry Journals are a specific type of reading log. A journal page is divided into two columns. The student writes the quote from the book on the left column. Then they write their own personal experience on the right side of the column.

The steps in implementing double-entry journals to relate experiences to text are:

1. The teacher selects a quote from the reading material and reads it aloud to the class.

2. Then he/she draws a double-entry journal on the board or overhead.

3. Demonstrates writing the quote on the left side of the journal. Explains that the journals are called double-entry journals because there are two columns on the journal page.

4. The students are instructed to write an interesting quote from the book on the left column. On the right column they should write about an experience they had that was similar to the text.

5. Distribute reading materials and blank double-entry journal pages to students.

6. The teacher should circulate among the students to give them support as needed.

7. Students share the quotes and relate their personal experiences to those of the characters.

Conclusion

Double-entry journals can be used in most grade levels to help students understand the text when they relate it to an experience they have had in their own lives. This strategy helps the student establish the habit of relating their experiences to whatever text they may be reading. As students gain more experience in analyzing text, they can be taught to connect text-to-text. Double-entry journals not only help the student relate events happening in the world to what they may currently be reading, they also aid in improving writing skills. During the discussion phase students are able to hear input from their peers as well as express their own thoughts and experiences.