Personal Reflection Paper for Grades 9 to 12
This activity gives the students a chance to write about their own beliefs, views and opinions. Have the students read a novel that addresses an issue of interest. The examples provided touch upon issues of exceptional individuals (special needs), emotional and mental illness, sexuality and teen suicide. Since these themes are considered ‘hot topics’ it’s extremely important to address the sensitivity of the issues for students and their parents. Once the students have read the novel have them reflection upon the feelings they experienced while reading.
Questions to be addressed in the student’s reflection papers:
- How did novel make you feel?
- What was the tone of the novel?
- Did it make you feel hopeful or depressed?
- What issues are addressed in the novel?
- Why is this issue important to you?
- What problems arose for the protagonist in the novel?
- How did the protagonist react?
- How would you react if you were placed in the same situation as the protagonist?
- What did you learn from reading this novel?
- Has the information you learned from reading the novel changed your point of view about the issues addressed?
Suggested Titles
Aker, Don. The Space Between. Harper Collins Canada, 2007. 978-0002008501
Brenna, Beverley. Wild Orchid. Red Deer Press, 2005. 978-0889953307
Choyce, Lesley. The End of the World As We Know It. Red Deer Press, 2007. 978-0889953796