Journals

How Does It Work?

• Students write daily on loose leaf paper.
• They have the freedom to write about what interests them.
• Their work is confidential. It doesn't have to be shared with the teacher.
• There is no judgement, no rubric and no grade. Students are given a quantitative grade to acknowledge that they have completed a journal.
• Final products are given page numbers, with a table of contents and an afterward written to sum up the journal.

Why Does it Work?

• They are engaged because they have a choice about their topic.
• Confidentiality leads to confidence.
• Finished product is respected, not graded.
• It helps to develop "voice".
• It helps students to synthesize their thoughts.
• It leads to flexibility.

Concerns

• Needs to include explicit grammar instruction.
• Confidentiality may lead to overlooking possible mental health concerns.

In My Classroom...,

• Implemented 3 times a week.
• Writing form will match whichever form we are studying in reading.
• Loose leaf paper so that good pieces are placed in a portfolio.
• Sharing at end of writing session to provide an audience for the writer.
• Teacher writes too, and shares successes or struggles.

Milner's Requirements

• It provides good content as the students are writing about what they know and want to know.
• A natural audience will encourage them to incorporate good writing skills.
• Structure will be addressed through target lessons teaching genre
• Style will develop through practice writing. It will develop voice.