Often when we think of journals, we automatically think of our most personal thoughts being written on some elegant journal paper bound in a leather book. However this is only one avenue to utilize the journal inside and outside the classroom. Inviting students’ to utilize journals in elementary, high school, and post secondary education is an excellent tool for students to learn and reflect about a variety of concepts.
The biggest benefit of journal writing is the teacher gains insight on the students thinking about any concept. If the teacher convinces the students the journal is a safe environment to write about their strengths and weaknesses for a concept both will learn a great deal. Often students forget about material because they have not reflected on its purpose.
Journal Writing Ideas
Language Arts Journals
Journal entry for specific themes.
Samples: On the weekend…
If I won a million dollars…
I invented…
Journal entry to reflect on characters in a book
Samples: The main character reminds me of …
If I could be any character I would be…
Students write a journal entry to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses in writing, reading, and grammar. Students are able to use the journal as a forum to tell the teacher what they are having a difficult time understanding and what skills they have mastered.
Samples: I do not understand…
I have no problem…
Math Journals
Students use the math journal to solve a problem and highlight their difficulties. The student writes about something that does not make sense. This allows the teacher to assist the student. As well, it gives the teacher insight on a concept not mastered by student.
Science Journals
Students use the science journal to write their ideas and thoughts on an experiment. They write about how and why an experiment has or has not been successful. The journal is to reflect the students thinking process throughout the experiment.
Students write journal entries on their personal view on a variety of scientific advancements. Students use the journal to openly express their view without judgment on issues such as cloning, space travel, and the atomic bomb.
Physical Education and Health
There is a big push for students to become healthier in body but often it is the mind that holds them back. It would be beneficial for students to write about their experiences in gym classes and why or why not they choose to participate. It is a great avenue for teachers to get advice on how to make gym class enjoyable for all students.
Health is often a branch of physical education. Students can reflect in their journals about alcohol, drugs, and much more. The journal is a place for students to ask questions that they would be too afraid to ask in class or at home.
