1. You will need a journal for this class. It may be a standard bound journal or spiral notebook; it could be a blog or an on- going word document. Whatever you choose, you will need to have it with you every day in class.

2.  The purpose of this journal is to experiment with your own writing and your writer’s voice.  It is also to write creatively.  It is NOT to talk about your day from start to finish (i.e. After math, I went to Taco Bell with this hot boy from my class. I ordered a chicken taco. Then I went to social studies.).

3.  Here you can write about anything you choose – reflections, ideas, complaints, experiences, etc.  Try new styles, new voices, etc.  TWO entries per week are expected. Entries must be at least 1 page in length (or approx 300 words).  Entries DO NOT need to be separate ideas each time you write. You could work on a story that takes a significant portion of your journal.

4.  I will try to fit in 15 min. of writing time on block days. It is expected that you are writing during this time and not checking email, grades, etc.  Sometimes our agenda will not be conducive to allowing in-class time to write, i.e. while we’re working on magazines, or while we’re having presentations. Therefore, You’re going to have to be committed to doing some of this journaling on your own time.

5.  I will “spot check” journals for grades every 6 weeks.