CECmisc.84


TITLE:  Journal Writing

AUTHOR:  Cliff Long, Youth Residence Hall; Goddard, KS

GRADE LEVEL:   9-12

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
     The journal rules and ideas should be copied to the
front and back of a sheet of paper and attached to several
sheets of paper.
     Journal entries should be written on a regular basis.
When there are perceived or real periods of stress or other
changes they often will help the teacher get a feel for what
is going on.

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                       JOURNAL RULES

Student Name _____________________

1.   Journals are only read by the teacher, therefore they
     are between the student and myself.  If a student wants
     to share their journal with someone else it is up to
     them.  I will not let another student or fellow staff
     member read a student's journal, unless the student's
     safety and well being or the safety of others makes
     sharing this information necessary.  Do not handle any
     other student's journal without their clear consent.
2.   Do not include incriminating information regarding your
     choice not to abide by laws.  This can be used as
     evidence in a court of law.
3.   You are to practice positive use of the English
     language.  Do not use words that are inappropriate
     (cuss words, etc.) in your journal.  You are expected
     to practice your best writing and communication skills.
     You can improve your writing by practicing correctly.
4.   Be careful to observe these margins: on the left use
     the red line on the paper; leave a 1/2 inch margin on
     the right; start on the top line; write to within four
     lines of the bottom of the page.  Write on every line
     and on only one side of the paper.
5.   We write to become more at ease putting our thoughts
     and ideas into writing.
6.   Journals are a place to experiment with different types
     of writing, such as poetry, descriptive writing, free
     style, etc.  This is also a place to describe one's
     feelings, thoughts, and ideas.
7.   You are not required to respond to questions that are
     written to you.  They are to help you continue to think
     through an idea or thought that had been started.
8.   Unless told otherwise, the first entry is to introduce
     yourself and tell me a few things about yourself.

                       JOURNAL IDEAS:
Write about:

your pet
your family
a favorite relative
a friend
things that you like
things that you dislike
how you deal with anger
what it's like being here
how you feel about yourself
where you want to go after you leave here
what you would like to do when you get out
how to accept responsibility for the problems in your
   life

Discuss a movie you saw.  Tell what you thought of the show,
how you felt about it.  What could have been changed to make
it better?

Tell about an experience you had, such as your first time
driving a car, going out on a date, getting arrested, etc.

Write a short story.

Write a poem.

Describe a feeling of anger or hurt.

Picture yourself as being an outcast.  Write about what it
feels like.

How would you like to spend your adult life?  What are your
dreams and goals?