This unit will be run twice. One of the courses will be a year long course with more of a focus on the individual journal to be written. At the end of the end of the year students would be able to view the results of their journal. For this class the journal would be more of a homework assignment rather than an in-class-time assignment.
The other course would be a block class which would run for eight weeks, and meet five days a week for three hours each day. The threehour class would be scheduled in such a way as to allow students to use in-class time more effectively. There would be the time and space available for reading in class, writing (making entries in their journals), and class time lectures; it also allows for the use of guest speakers and class field trips.
Because of the nature of the student body and the utilization of staff it is necessary for the two sessions not only to be run differently, but also to be geared for different kinds of students.
The block class, especially because of time boundaries, would be ideal for a group of basic skills students. By basic skills students I mean those students who are able to read either on grade level or perhaps two to three years below grade level. The materials used in the unit will be especially geared towards those students.
The year long course would be for students who read on and above grade level. These students will be working on skills such as analytic writing, reading for comprehension etc.