Have you tried shared journals? I gave them a try last year as a literacy center option for "Work on Writing." They were very successful when I took the time every day or two to read them aloud. My students couldn't wait to hear their entry read to the class. But when I let a few days or weeks pass without reading from them, my students stopped going to them. The key is to keep their enthusiasm high by sharing them with the class. It only takes a few minutes and so my goal is consistency this year. Making them is a cinch. I just taped these covers on the front of a cheap notebook and put them in a basket. Easy, cheap and ready to go.
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| Click the image above to download these two class journal covers. |
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| This is a first grade example from our class journal, Where Should We Eat? |
Here are a few more ideas for class journals:
- What is your favorite vacation spot?
- Tell about your family.
- What did you do over summer vacation?
- What is a fun family activity around here to do?
- Tell about your favorite sport.
- Write about something you have been researching.
- What are you hoping to get for Christmas?
- What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
- What are you afraid of?
- What is the nicest thing anyone has done for you?
- How can you be a good friend?
Happy Writing!
