• Double-entry journal template
• Primary source documents
• Highlighters
• Sample completed journal for modeling

Create or copy double-entry journal templates with left column labeled 'From the Text' and right column labeled 'My Response.' Select compelling primary sources with multiple entry points.

1. Distribute double-entry journal templates and primary source documents.
2. Explain the two-column structure: Left side is for direct quotes, facts, or observations from the text. Right side is for your thinking about what you recorded.
3. Model with a sample quote from the document. In left column, write the quote with page/paragraph reference.
4. Think aloud for right column: 'This makes me wonder... This connects to... I'm confused by... This reminds me of... I think the author means...'
5. Students read the primary source, pausing to record 4-6 entries.
6. Left column entries can be: direct quotes, paraphrased facts, descriptions of images, or statistics.
7. Right column responses should be substantive - not just 'interesting' but explaining WHY.
8. Partner share: Compare journals. What did your partner notice that you missed?
9. Whole class discussion drawing on journal entries as evidence.

Provide sentence starters for the response column. Pre-highlight important passages for struggling readers. For advanced students, require specific types of responses: one question, one connection, one analysis, one evaluation.

Review journals for depth of responses and text-to-self connections. Look for evidence of critical thinking in the response column. Use journals as springboard for class discussion.