Journals

media type="youtube" key="zFXkXmhjE7k?fs=1" height="385" width="640" **Journals** By Mayra Ibarra

Journal writing is a very useful and flexible tool that can be used for all subject matter and curriculum. There are many purposes and functions to using journals in the classroom. These range from taking notes in Math, to sharing stories in Language Arts. There is no limit to what journals can be used for as they can be adapted and used to fit any subject and purpose.

__**The many uses of a journal:**__
 * To help develop fluency
 * To prompt creative thinking
 * To keep track of student progress
 * To take notes on Math procedures
 * To communicate with the teacher
 * To organize ideas
 * To brainstorm
 * The list is endless

Using journals in the classroom allows students the opportunity to think about what is being taught, and to reflect on the lesson, as well as address any important points to note or clarify any issues. It is a way to get students more actively thinking about the lesson instead of using simple memorization. Students are able to think critically, creatively and openly without limits or prompts.

Teachers can use these journals to assess student progress, to track issues in writing, to get to know the students, to understand the way students think, and many other reasons. By reading her students' journals, the teacher is able to see what academic issues need to be addressed as a whole, as well as what needs to be addressed as a student. She is able to guide her lessons to help students further learn and understand the material. Journals are a way into the minds of the students, whereas people seem to be more open on paper than they are face to face with another person.

Different types of journals: __**Personal Journals**__ Personal Journals are those in which the student can freely write about any private issues, thoughts, or ideas. The teacher only comments on it when the student specifically asks for it. This can be used as a way of expression, while the student is still able to practice his writing skills. It can also endorse critical thinking, self-evaluation, and many other qualities. Grammar and spelling errors are not addressed as this is an open forum of thoughts and ideas, and the purpose of this exercise is to write freely and openly, and focus on content not minor errors. The prominent errors found in the journals can be addressed in a Language Arts lesson if need be.

Dialogue Journals are those in which the student carries on a conversation or dialogue with another person. In most cases it is with the teacher, but it can also be with a parent, sibling, or any other special person. In these journals there are responses, questions, ideas, and conversation not only by the student but also by the teacher or other person. The responses should not included any grammatical or spellling corrections. The focus here should be on content.
 * __Dialogue Journals__**

Math Journals, or any subject for that matter, are used for notes, personal learning tricks, memorization prompts, any kind of useful information pertaining to the subject. These can be used to study from for tests, to help with homework, or to practice the lesson. They are a great way to keep students thinking about what they have just learned and to keep all lessons and ideas organized and in order.
 * __Math Journals (any subject matter)__**

Buddy Journals is a written conversatin between two students. They are an extension of personal journals and dialogue journals. These are a great way to keep students interested in writing as they offer immediate feedback, a real audience, and a purpose for the writing. The students are able to write about anything they would like, so long as it is appropriate.
 * __Buddy Journals__**

Journal writing is a great way to practice writting skills, and proves especially useful for English Learners, as the purpose of them is to write, write, write. Students are able to practice writing without be worried about minor spelling or grammatical errors. It teaches students to focus on direction and content when writing.

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