Journal writing is a big part of my teaching because I find it to be one of the most exciting and creative types of writing that my students regularly take part in. I emphasize creativity in the journals that I require my eighth graders to keep. They are never penalized for spelling or grammar in their journals because the entries are all about their ideas. I want students to feel free to express themselves in their writing. I want them to enjoy their ideas and allow themselves the freedom to not worry about form, structure, grammar and the elements that we regularly examine during other types of writing such as essay and research writing.
Having journals in the classroom also provides students with an easy access, low maintenance record of the writing they do. Journals are diaries for the students. They are encouraged to write in them often and keep them throughout the year. Entries that are too personal for my eyes are folded as a signal for me to avoid them as I go through their journals to make comments on students’ writing.
Teachers should participate in all writing activities. After assignments are explained, sit down and write with the students. If you have a chance to share your writing, do it. It gives students’ work added value if they see you participating with them.
Some possible journal topics that may be included in this unit are:
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· Write a quick write on everything you know about the Civil War
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· Write a letter to Lincoln or Bush explaining your views on the war
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· Write a speech for Lincoln or Bush on war
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· Write a song
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· Write a poem about conflict
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· Write a poem about issues faced by teens today
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· Compare two of Whitman’s poems
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· Analyze an aspect of a poem (mood, form, rhythm, etc.)
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· Describe the feelings of a soldier in a poem
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· Describe the aftermath of a battle in a poem
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· Write a patriotic poem
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· Illustrate a poem
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· Describe a photo by Matthew Brady
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· Compare a Brady Photo with a modern war poem
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· Discuss censorship during war time
