Duration: 30 minutes
Objectives:
- To introduce students to the concept of journaling as a form of writing
- To help students understand the purpose and benefits of journaling
- To encourage students to engage in regular journaling to improve their writing skills
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever kept a journal.
- Discuss the different types of journals (e.g. gratitude journal, reflective journal, creative writing journal) and their purposes.
- Explain that journaling is a personal form of writing that helps individuals process thoughts and emotions, develop self-awareness, and improve writing skills.
Benefits of Journaling (5 minutes)
- Discuss the benefits of regular journaling, such as improved emotional well-being, better clarity of thought, and improved writing skills.
- Share examples of famous writers who have used journaling as a means of developing their writing skills, such as Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath.
Types of Journaling (5 minutes)
- Explain the different types of journaling that students can explore, such as reflective journaling, creative writing journaling, or gratitude journaling.
- Discuss the different formats for journaling, such as free-writing or prompt-based writing.
Group Exercise (10 minutes)
- Divide students into groups of 2-3 and provide a list of prompts for group journaling.
- Encourage students to share their journal entries with each other and provide feedback on each other's writing.
Independent Writing (5 minutes)
- Encourage students to continue journaling independently beyond the classroom setting.
- Provide a list of prompts for independent writing and encourage students to write for at least 10 minutes a day.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Reiterate the benefits of regular journaling and encourage students to continue writing.
- Use a reflective prompt such as "What did you learn about yourself through this activity?" to encourage students to reflect on the activity.
Assessment
Students' understanding of journaling as a form of writing can be assessed through informal observation during group exercises and independent writing. Additionally, teachers can review students' journal entries to evaluate their writing skills and provide feedback.