Writer’s NotebookJournal Expectations

By Linda Mac Intyre

Adapted From:Routman, R. (2000). Conversations: Strategies for Teaching, Learning, and Evaluating. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Heinemann.

Journal Writing is a special place:• where you can write about things that really

matter.• where you can write about topics you want to

always remember.• where you can revisit ( in a few years or when

you are an adult) and read what you were really thinking about and what was important to you.

Journal Writing Expectations

• Write on every other line.

• Use neat handwriting.

• Correct the spelling of common words after writing your entry.

• Keep the covers and inside cover pages neat and clean.

Journal Writing Expectations

• Journal writing is one type of genre that you are expected to learn and do.

• Cross out words or phrases with one straight line.

• Write about topics that you will be comfortable sharing with students, teacher and others.

Journal Writing Expectations

• Use dictionaries/ thesaurus only when proofreading or editing.

• Sharing what you have done and need to work on will help other students to learn and grow.

• Try to write using detail, voice, personal feelings, and explanations.

Journal Writing

Where do you begin?

• Skip one line from your last entry.

• Write the date.

• Brainstorm your topic using a web or list of ideas.

• Start writing from your ideas.

What topics can you write about?

• My best friend

• What I know a lot about

• My dog

• My grandfather

• My grandmother

• My favorite place….

Journal Writing

• What I’m good at

• My pet

• What is important to me

• I will never forget

• I was scared

Any Questions?