A child’s connection to reading can be strengthened with a short writing activity after a book has been read. This book includes several journal responses from which to choose. The responses may be used with nonfiction or fiction and may even be adapted for poetry and plays. Select the journal response that is most appropriate, and give your child time to write a short response to the prompt. If your child is struggling to come up with a response, ask specific questions. For example, with the journal response that asks why you didn’t like the book, you could say, “I remember you frowned when I read about ... Did that part bother you?” If your child is a reluctant writer, here are some quick tips you could try: • Hold the pen while your child tells you what he or she would like to write. Sound out the words as you write the letters. • Sound out the letters as your child is writing the words. • Ask your child questions that may help him or her write the answer. • Ask your child to connect the book to his or her life and ask how. • Allow your child to use the computer to respond. Help make the writing activity enjoyable by allowing your child to respond to whatever he or she related to. When reviewing your child’s work, respond to the content of his or her writing rather than the mechanical errors. Journal writing should be viewed as a quick, fun way to give an opinion or extend the learning. A log has been included at the end of this guide. We recommend that you fill it in whenever your child responds to a text.