Journal Writing-
Starting next week, I would like you to keep a personal journal in which you will respond
to teacher-directed topics started in class. The topic will be on the board and you are to
begin thinking and writing as soon as you arrive. Journaling time of 10 minutes will be
given. At the end of the 10 minutes, journals will be put away and we will move to another
activity. I will strive to have a topic on the board a minimum of two times a week. I would
like to have you write a minimum of 1 page each week. If you do not have the minimum by
Friday, you will need to complete the week’s writing by Sunday night and return your
journal to school on Monday. I will take these up every three weeks and they will count as
20% of your grade for each six weeks. I will be expecting neatness and legibility. I will not
be grading this writing on spelling or mechanics; however, I do expect you to be striving
for perfection in your writing.
I will be looking for the following:
The dates for the week at the top of the page. (Monday-Sunday) August 22-28
The date of each separate entry for the week.
Whenever you start to write, you need to put the date. 8/23…
Each teacher-given topic either copied or rephrased into your writing. If it is
copied, it does not count as part of the writing. If it is rephrased, it does count as
part of the two pages for the week.
If you do not fill the page by Friday, then the remainder of the week’s journaling
can be about a topic of your choice or what’s going on with you.
You must write in ink.
Suggestions:
Do your own writing unless you have spoken with me personally about being able
to dictate your thoughts to an adult.
You may illustrate if you wish, but illustrations do not count as used space.
In the same vein, write in a normal sized handwriting. Too large and points will be
deducted. Print or cursive will be accepted.
Turn your journal in on the required day. Late journals will lose 15 points
automatically. I will give you plenty of notice as to the due-date.
Keep your journal at school during the week and only take it home if you need to
complete it by Sunday.
Keep up with your writing. Don’t get behind. I can probably tell if you wrote 3
pages on the night before it is due.
Put your first and last name and class period on the front of your folder.
Decorate it if you wish. It is your journal.
Why journaling?
This is a semi-controlled writing opportunity to help you get comfortable, or more
comfortable, with your thoughts and feelings while being able to put them into writing.
The more you write, the easier it is to write.
I would like to feel as if you are getting some experience putting pen to paper without
me breathing down your back to grade it critically, yet still having you have some
accountability for learning to put your thoughts on paper.