Pathfinder-Journal+Writing

__**Title**__: Benefits and Strategies for Using Journal Writing for Student Assignments in the k-12 Classroom

__**Introduction**__: Many teachers question what benefits journal writing might have in the classroom. This pathfinder is meant for teachers who need a resource to explore the benefits of journal writing and the academic skills that are improved, how to structure journal time in the classroom, what specific groups of students might benefit most, how to implement journal writing in various subject areas, and effective ways of assessing journal entries.

__**Key Terms**__: Journal, writing, students, daily, practice, classroom, assessment, structure, benefits, skills, dialogue, reflection, retention, K-12

Search Strategies: I used the following search engines: [|www.google.com], [|www.altavista.com], [|www.boolify.org]. I used the search terms I used AND with various combination of my key terms listed above.

__**Sources**__: [|www.educationworld.com/a-curr/curr144.shtml] - This site focuses on testimonies provided by teachers. it explores students skills, and discusses relationship building between student and teachers through journaling.

[] - This site lists positive and negative effects of journaling in the classroom.

[|www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/journalwriting.html] - The tips provided here are specific to using journals for learning retention.

[] - This journal program is in a focused lesson plan format. It provides a checklist for students when writing entries, and different ideas for assessment.

[|www.indiana.edu/reading/eio/digests.d156.html] - This resource explores the importance of constant guidance from teachers while students are writing in journals.

[|http://linkinghub.elsevier.com] - Journals can help ESL students in the classroom progress with the English language. This site gives examples of entries and how to structure a dialogue journal.

[|www.langandlit.ualberta.ca/Winter2006/McIntosh.htm] -This focuses on reading response journals used when studying literature.

[|www.nwp.or/cs/public/print] - This explores the connection between reading, speaking, and writing while observing a first grade classroom using journals.

[] This provides innovative ideas to use journals. It includes activities for science, math, and physical education journaling.

[|www.answerbag.com/article/about+journal+writing+in+classrooms] - This focuses on tracking students progress over time as they journal.

[|www.journaltherapy.com/rosen.htm] - This site explores the emotional and psychological benefits students experience when consistently keeping a journal.

[|www.homeedsa.com/articles/journal%20writing.asp] - This has great tips for teachers. It also contains information on how journal writing evolved.