Reading and Responding: A Rose-coloured Experience

The writer argues that a fresh look at some aspects of reader-response theories could have a revitalising effect on classroom practices. If we want pupils to respond to texts, we should make more use of what happens while they read, helping them to become self-conscious readers. The writer exemplifies some reader-response strategies through his own responses to a short story by AS. Byatt. Implications and suggestions for classroom activities are suggested.