Writing Journals
Journal writing can add a "deeper" more personal level to the language learning experience.
I’ve long used journals in my classes where appropriate. Pedagogically, they are useful in many ways;
Of course, for students to practice writing in a second language but without the anxiety and stress associated with tests or other published/public documents.
A regular routine for your classes. Students write in their journals at set times in class or for homework.
Personal expression. Journals allow students to make connections to what is being taught and provide personal expression. They give students a voice.
Permanence. Journals are a “product” that reflects the mostly invisible aspect of learning. Tangible, visible evidence of student learning and they can even be used with formative assessments.
Metacognition. Journals are a powerful way for students to reflect on their behavior, learning and review of the content and curriculum (delivery, methods, teaching).
One thing I’ve always done when getting students started with “free writing” and journaling is to model the process. I show students my own journal entry as a model and we discuss what is important in it and what is expected.
Further, I also write in a journal when the students are writing in theirs - and if we share our journal entries (that’s your call as a teacher), I’ll share my own too.
Our Lesson Library has many resources that you can use for class diary writing or journaling. However, all you really need is a "notebook” of any sort. A private group of papers for student writing. You can also have students journal writing online - creating their own blog (try Edublogs) or just using a Google Doc. Be sure to discuss the use of AI, students might think it could be used but I personally think journaling isn’t the right use case.
Here are some recommended materials from the Lesson Library.
Tell Us About. A journal for students to write basic information about their lives and share it.
A-Z Reflective Writing Journal. A series of daily prompts for student reflective writing.
Tell The Story. A creative writing journal. Students use the pictures to write a story and share with the class.