Building the Habit of Writing By Maureen O’Leary Wanket Educational Leadership September 2005 Vol. 65 NO. 1 Summarized by Kristin Kern ED 522 School Curriculum

For students writing is… “ too hard” “something they never do unless an assignment requires it” “painful”“boring”

“Being able to speak but not write is like living in a mansion and never leaving one small room”. In order for students to enjoy the writing process, build fluency, boost moral and their emotional development… DAILY JOURNAL WRITING

Journal writing – reflecting and/or expressing oneself through writing An important skill to strengthen the whole studentAn important skill to strengthen the whole student An excellent way to practice for their future academic, political and emotional livesAn excellent way to practice for their future academic, political and emotional lives -write a great novel -write a piece of sorely needed legislation -compose the perfect love letter Puts students closer to fluency, eloquence and command of languagePuts students closer to fluency, eloquence and command of language Connects students with their emotional selves and core valuesConnects students with their emotional selves and core values Begin a habit of reflecting on moral values as they consider problems and issues in their daily livesBegin a habit of reflecting on moral values as they consider problems and issues in their daily lives A place to work out problems and explore ideas and feelingsA place to work out problems and explore ideas and feelings Daily writing practice helps students succeed in all areas of school writingDaily writing practice helps students succeed in all areas of school writing Psychological benefits include reflecting on pleasant memoriesPsychological benefits include reflecting on pleasant memories Journal sharing time creates bonds and helps students understand one anotherJournal sharing time creates bonds and helps students understand one another

Benefits of teaching writing with journals Journals provide an opportunity for reflection. Journals provide an opportunity for reflection. A rare moment of retreat from their busy lives Reflect on an issue or relate learning to emotional or social lives Journal writing improves essays. Journal writing improves essays. Gain fluency by writing daily Quality of academic writing improves Development of original thought and fluency of ideas Journals can reveal trouble. Journals can reveal trouble. Find out about serious student problems **Bound by law to act when abuse or danger is suspected** Reach out to students Journals help students and teachers bond. Journals help students and teachers bond. Insight into their lives helps relate to students in a more personal and helpful way Learn more Daily journal writing is an excellent way to begin class. Daily journal writing is an excellent way to begin class. Students must be seated and writing by the time the bell rings Establishes a routine Introduction to lesson topic Don’t have to say a word

Ground Rules for Journal Writing 1. Date every entry. -helps students and teacher keep track of assigned topics -students like the idea of keeping a kind of time capsule 2. Don’t waste paper. -students must write on the backs of pages, fill up all pages and skip only a few lines between entries -saves time and resources 3. Write in pen as long as it’s legible. -inspires fun with different colored ink 4. Journal notebooks are only for journal entries. -no other schoolwork may go into them

More Ground Rules 5. Write without ceasing. -spelling doesn’t matter -no stopping to cross out words -allows for original thought and creativity 6. Journals are graded. -begin to write for an audience and to earn points toward a grade -graded on content not on correct spelling or grammar 7. Journals are private. -don’t have to read aloud or share unless you want to -respect for students 8. Then again…journals are not private. -bound by law to report if they are hurting themselves or someone is hurting them

A Success Story Tyler was a 7 th grade student who had low self-esteem, was angry and combative with classmates, earned low grades and referred to himself as “stupid”. He read on grade level but complained about writing assignments and was reluctant and belligerent when working one-on-one. While working on a “show not tell” writing prompt in his daily journal, Tyler had the most descriptive entry in the class for the entire assignment. While completing a poetry-writing lesson using the students journals, Tyler agreed to read his work aloud and earned applause from his classmates. Tyler’s poetry book won first place in a school contest and third place in the District Writers Fair. This was a personal triumph for Tyler and an honor for the school. Journal writing…  Change in self-perception  Performance improved in other assignments  Willingness to try new things  Increased social success with peers

Journal Prompts Write about a time you helped someone. How can you help others today? Reflect on the life of _____. What can you do to be more like him or her? Write a list of things, people and places for which you are grateful. Write about a time you needed forgiveness. Write about a time when someone was a good friend to you.