Journal

As part of Rachel's Challenge, I started a Journaling club at Lindsey. I've always loved journaling, but I got reinspired to start one by the new trend in Bullet Journaling. I like it because there is no pressure to write long paragraphs every day. Here is the introductory video about the Bullet Journal.

I also wrote a Blog Post on how I started my Bullet Journal. Start your own blog with the Student Blogging Challenge

I like to assign a personal journal during one unit during the year. I always paired it with a journal related book. In 7th Grade, it was Catherine Called Birdy, by Karen Cushman. In 8th grade, it worked well with the reading of the Play, Anne Frank.

Every grade level writes a narrative essay, so this is a great way to build writing stamina and to start a bank of personal experiences to draw from when given a narrative topic.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books make journaling even acceptable to boys and reluctant readers. Here's a list of books told in Diary Format.

Here are the topics I give students to get started:

Daily Personal Journal Purpose of Journal: 1) Develop writing fluency! What does that mean? The more often you write, them more comfortable you are writing. Just like a sport or any other skill, you need to practice in order to improve. The coach doesn’t always have to be there when you practice shooting baskets, and your teacher doesn’t need to correct every error for you to improve. 2) Organize your thoughts! Writing is a complex thinking skill, and the muscle between your ears needs exercise too. 3) Express yourself! Capture your emotions on paper, your highs and lows, your frustrations and successes. 4) Journal writing is a form of narrative writing, one of the types tested on the SBAC. By writing about your personal experiences, you are building a bank of stories to pull from when given a personal narrative topic.

Ideas for Personal Journal:
 * Introduce yourself to the future reader of your diary.
 * Describe yourself and your interests.
 * Describe your family. Tell what you appreciate about family members.
 * Describe your home. Describe your room and your favorite possessions.
 * Describe your favorite place. Tell about where you go to be alone.
 * Describe your pets and how you feel about them.
 * Describe your favorite TV shows, movies, video games or books.
 * What are some of your favorite things to do?
 * Write poems or stories on topics interesting to you.
 * Who is your best friend? What qualities do you admire in a good friend?
 * Traditions: What are the important rituals or traditions in your family or circle of friends? Make a list of those that mean the most to you.
 * Do you think you will have the same friends and interests in the future?
 * Write about your ideal boyfriend or girlfriend. Write about a perfect date.
 * Write about your first crush. Write about a dance you went to.
 * Write about important current events in the news.
 * Write about the weather and how you feel about it.
 * Tell about something nice you did for someone or what someone did for you.
 * Describe a typical day at school. Tell about your goals and dreams.
 * Write down a favorite poem or song lyrics and tell how you feel about it.
 * Draw a picture and write about it. Cut out a picture you like and write about it.
 * Write about an important lesson you learned about life.
 * Write about someone who has influenced your life.
 * Write about what you are most grateful for. Write about what you want most in life.
 * Write about how you would change the world.
 * Write about growing up and where you see yourself in 5...10...15...20...years.
 * Write about anything important to you right now. Write down your worries.
 * Places you want to travel: Look at a map and daydream about the far-flung places you will visit someday.
 * Things you love: Chase away the bad day blues by listing your favorite things – from movies and books to smells and words.
 * Accomplishments: Use journal writing to record your proud achievements and successes in your personal and professional life.
 * Heroes: Who inspires or motivates you? Who are your role models? Write down the names of your heroes, whether they are personal friends or famous leaders.
 * Bucket list Reflect on everything you want to do, see or accomplish before you die. Dream big!

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