Journaling Is Writing Too Fun and Practical Ways

Journaling Is Writing Too! Fun and Practical Ways to Introduce Journal Writing in a Variety of Subjects Presented by: Dr. Janice Broyles Assistant Professor of English Publisher of Late November Literary Freelance Editor

The Benefits of Journaling: § It is good for mental health. § § It allows the writer to self-reflect. § § This leads to strong metacognitive skills. It helps creativity. § § According to the University of Saint Augustine, “By getting your thoughts down on paper, you can gain a deeper understanding of the causes of your own internal conflicts, while you also explore the external challenges you’re facing. Your problems, fears, and concerns will come to the surface so you can start to address them and visualize solutions. ” Journaling gives students opportunities to learn and practice voice and expressive writing skills. It enhances writing ability. § Research shows increased vocabulary usage, stronger communication skills, and stronger critical thinking skills when students routinely journal.

Why Journaling is Often Overlooked: § There is too much curriculum to get through. § Young person is resistant. § The parent/teacher is unsure of where to begin or where to best implement journaling.

Take the Stress Out of Writing with Journals! Daily writing practice improves overall communication skills. Here are tips for implementing journal writing in your homeschool.

Types of Journals: Freewrites Foundationa l Journals Reflective Journals Content. Specific Journals Creative Journals

Tip #1: Start Small § A little bit of writing goes a long way. § Keep journaling throughout the school year.

Tip #2: Be Consistent § When you are consistent with journal expectations, your child/young person will make daily writing a habit. § Each family has a different schedule. Find what works for you and make it an integral part of that schedule. Some ideas: § Every morning “wake up” routine § “Exit ticket” for the day § Daily journal of “What I’ve learned today”

Tip #3: Connect Journaling with Curriculum § Daily journaling can easily happen when added to in-place curriculum! § Journals for every subject: § Science § History § Creative writing § Reflection § Inspirational/Spiritual § Math § Sports

Sample Lessons: A Step-By-Step Approach to Using a Journal in Content Area Curriculum.

Lesson: Current Event (This also works well with a history lesson) 1. Start by having young person complete the “Finish this thought. ” This should be without guidance or specificity. 2. Once student has written down the sentence, hand them the newspaper article that covers today’s “Current Event. ” 3. Read the article (either together or student reads individually). 4. Student then explains out loud what they read. 5. Go back to the “Finish this thought. ” Allow them a chance to change their original sentence. 6. Discuss the sentence. Contribute your thoughts to the discussion but stay mindful of your child’s thoughts. 7. Finish the lesson with the completion of the World Peace Finish this thought: If I could change one thing about the world, it would be ______________________________________. How would you end this sentence? Was it hard to choose just one? Why do you feel this is the most important issue that needs fixing? Write your reflection in the space provided. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Journal taken from the book: Journaling Is Writing Too!

Thank you so much for your time! § Visit the Late November booth #122 for journal books that fit nicely into your curriculum! § Sign up for our education newsletter. § Mention the session and receive $2 off any sale $20 or more! § All books are also available at our website, on Amazon, or most bookstores nationwide. § May God richly bless you on your education journey! More titles available at the booth! Late November Literary is a boutique publisher of quality fiction and nonfiction for the whole family!

Works Cited 1. “ 10 Ways Journaling Benefits Students. ” 2020. University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https: //www. usa. edu/blog/ways-journalingbenefits-students. 2. Morin, Amanda. 2021. “The Benefits of Journaling for Kids. ” Very Well Family. Retrieved from https: //www. verywellfamily. com/thebenefits-of-journaling-for-kids-2086712 Most images throughout the presentation are through Google Images and copyright belongs to their prospective owners. Book images are copyrighted through Late November Literary.