Journaling: From Boredom to Beyond Engaged

Have you ever seen students going from acting tortured in writing reflective journal entries to not being able to stop being engaged in the journaling process?  Within the span of two weeks, I was able to witness such a remarkable transformation.

A few weeks ago, the 4th Grade classroom teacher and I collaborated to bring higher order thinking skills out of our Talented and Gifted students.  We used a reflective writing journal as a way to communicate back and forth to one another between the student and myself/classroom teacher using a challenging free choice book.  After the first two or three times we met, it was painfully obvious that they weren't enjoying the process. 

Something new needed to happen - But What?

We decided to look into an online journaling forum as a way to make it easier for them to reflect on their readings.  With the implementation of google/sites, the students are now not only writing more often, they are responding to one another's comments.  WOW!  What an added bonus. 

 

Comments Like (their words):

 

* You can actually have a conversation instead of just teachers reading it.

 

* You can share your journal with your friends and add comments to other people's.

 

* Your hand doesn't hurt and if you are good with typing, you go faster. 

 

We must remember that we are teaching students who are comfortable with the technological means of communication.  Engage them where they live and let them flourish!

 

 

photos on flickr by stOOpidgErL and *ian*