Get Your Students Journaling

Journaling should be a part of a students morning exercise. It significantly increases a students ability to get out their thoughts, organize them in a fun way, and work on their grammar skills. There is also no pressure of being graded so students can really enjoy the morning assignments.

How journaling works is each child brings in a journal just for the morning exercise. They need a pen or pencil. Then you give them a topic for the morning. They are to write on that topic without stopping for the designated time which is usually between 5 and 10 minutes depending on the grade level.

Each day should have a different topic. You can get your topics from current events, popular age appropriate movies, and even the children. Put out a suggestion box and let the kids know that they can place topic suggestions in the box. Check the box at the end of the week and choose some of the kids topics for journaling the following week.

Another great option is to check the National calendar and find out what goofy day that day is. For instance, they have Dr. Seuss's Birthday or National hot dog day. There are all kinds of goofy holidays that can give you a good journal topic.

Consider the season and the upcoming holidays. Incorporate topics that will make the children think. Suggest "What is one way you can make a difference for someone else this Christmas season?" or "What would you do if you saw someone in need?" These types of questions make a student think about ways they can serve their communities and fellow men. At the same time they are helping children with their grammar.

Journaling doesn't have to take up much of your school day and the benefits are far too great to ignore.