So as I have been looking into what I want to start the year, I have pulled up and revamped my journals. These journals are one of my best kept secrets. I have been doing them for at least 12 years. When I first started them I was in a district that literally just focused on Reading and Math. This particular district asked for 2 hours per day of each. If you got in something else, then great. I combined my annoyance with a lack of a writing program with my need to engage the kids in something when they first walk in the door.
I think most teachers have this issue, morning starts, a million questions that need answering NOW, and the goofing off of students who have no direction when they first get into the classroom. This is that stale time while we are waiting for announcements and turning in our homework. So I thought to start a daily journal. My first draft of journals were from books I had purchased and a mix of this and that but it still took MY time. Then one summer I bit the bullet and decided to create a journal that I could use that doesn't take any extra work from me (because remember the mornings are crazy time).
So what I came up with a full journal of prompts that I created and I copy (36 weeks worth) and put it into a binder for each student at the beginning of the year. Ok - done with that, morning fixed. Well almost, it takes a week or two to get the students accustomed to them but once they get into the routine, these journal TIME SAVERS, work like a charm.
To set up this journal routine I install for the morning I start the year off with explaining to them that they must fill them out all the way (and yes I teach third graders). I typically get the big eyes but they get over it quickly. I do want to note however that I know we all have those students that just CAN'T write that much. It is okay, we are just setting up expectations. I also tell students that they need to use normal handwriting which brings up another great benefit to journaling. Students handwriting improves quickly by having to write inside the lines. There are only 4 journal prompts per week which goes well because it gives a little extra room for students who have not finished theirs each day. However, there are days I like to give an extra prompt, just to see what they have learned that week or something else tied to the theme we are working on. I call these Friday Journal Templates. I even take these as a quick assessment on writing or other concept I am asking about.
As an overview these journals have been my time saver because it gives the students something to do first thing in the morning. Once in the routine my students come in, put their backpacks away, turn in their homework, and get out their journal. This has kept my classroom rather calm in the morning because students have direction and it allows me to take attendance, answer students questions, take lunch count, or respond to emails without the crazy morning kids. Just click on the student examples pic if you would like a freebie for you to try it out for yourself. Also, I put a link below to my store if you are interested in the full year bundle. I would love to hear how it has worked for you!
Thanks,
Erin Hansen
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