As I began reading this article, I was reminded of my freshman year in high school. My English teacher had us write each day in our journal. We could write about anything at all. He told us to voice our opinions, our thoughts, and our concerns. He just wanted to see us write. He told us he wouldn’t read what we wrote that he would only count the number of words. These instructions gave me freedom to write without being judged. He wasn’t looking for grammatical errors; he only wanted to see us write. I loved this assignment. I wrote about the typical problems of a teenage girl. Thoughts I would have never said out loud. The journal was my voice.
I thought Annette Henry’s research was very interesting. I was impressed how she combined reading and writing into her research. She focused on issues of interest or concerns of working class, immigrant girls aged 13 to 15 from African Caribbean backgrounds. I viewed her research as a support group for these young girls. Not only did they get together to read and write. They had the opportunity to discuss what they read and wrote. Many of the girls began to open up and discuss topics that in any other situation would have made them feel self-conscious. They felt that they would be reprimanded for using their first language in the classroom. By working with the smaller group they began to feel more comfortable. I’m not sure how practical this is in our regular classroom. How do we find the time to allow the children to work together and discuss issues important to their daily life? Not all of the children will be interested in the same thing. And I’m afraid there will always be students that are afraid to open up to their peers in class.
Research has shown that reading and writing activities together promote greater learning than when taught as separate subjects. I agree with this statement. I was pleased to read the Staples article to see that some communities have discovered that we do need additional time for literacy practice and are bridging the gap between in-and-out of school literacy programs. I think it is important to give the children who feel self-conscious in school the outlet to voice their opinions. How you look or talk should not hinder your ability to find your voice. My hat goes off to the teachers and community helpers who are stepping up and finding time outside of school to help these children. Pam Aubuchon
Comments (5)
I have found that journal writing is very powerful. I am a 2nd grade teacher, but I have found that because my students can write without correction they feel much more comfortable. I never mark in their journals and I always say at the beginning of the year this is a way for you to write whatever you want. There was one student I had this year that really started to write about how she was feeling angry and for me that was powerful. If I didn't have her journal to read, then I would have never known how she was feeling. I think that is why the girls in Henry's article felt so at ease with her. There was no pressure.
Posted by Odessa Scales | June 14, 2010 8:59 PM
Posted on June 14, 2010 20:59
I have also found strength in allowing my students to journal. I remember when I was young, I loved to have a "diary" or journal to write down my thoughts. A way of communication, journals allow students to "talk", particularly students who are shy or timid. I implement journals first thing in the morning at least once a week. I wonder if having students write at different times of the day would affect their writing?
Posted by Katie Johnson | June 14, 2010 9:49 PM
Posted on June 14, 2010 21:49
I do tend to agree that when students are in a smaller group that they are willing to participate more freely. I also agree that in the regular classroom this is not quite as practical. In my school, there are only assistants in Kindergarten and First grades. I as a 2nd/3rd grade teacher am not quite as flexible. Also this year I have had one student that who was very introverted and quiet. It was not until the afterschool tutoring program began that I saw her prosper. So I see this both ways.
Teaching reading and writing together has been proven to increase student learning when taught together. I have also gotten to see this at first hand this year. I am going into my 4th year of teaching and through a Graduate School project; I experienced this to the fullest. It was amazing to me to hear my students say, “When are we going to write I Poems again?” This was a time that I felt truly successful as a teacher and it was when reading and writing were incorporated together!
Posted by Angela Steele | June 15, 2010 9:31 AM
Posted on June 15, 2010 09:31
I too remember the days in school of writing in my journal, but remember not opening up totally in fear of what my teachers would think or see of me. I was the "good student" who did no wrong, but had lots wrong in my life and going through my head. My personal journal at home was where I shared my deepest darkest thoughts where I knew for sure that no one was ever going to read them! This year I gave all my students writer's notebooks and let them write in them as if it was their personal diary. I told them they'd have to share one entry, but it wasn't too personal for the entry I assigned. It was amazing to see the ownership they took upon that notebook. They loved having it be their own and that they could include pictures as well. There are so many kids who don't and won't open up until out of the classroom. I think all kids need to be in some after school activity where are able to expose their other self if not revealed in the classroom. I think so many kids are overlooked because of their lack of reading and writing skills, that these programs should be promoted and offered more in schools. I gave those teachers in those artices a lot of credit as well.
Posted by Abby Boughton | June 15, 2010 7:20 PM
Posted on June 15, 2010 19:20
I enjoyed your blog and all of the responses so far about using journaling as a tool to reach students. Even at first grade students enjoy the opportunity to pour their souls out on lines paper. I have also noticed hesitation in student's writing when it comes to something they are unsure about sharing. I have had much success with journaling to enhance my classroom climate.
Posted by Candy Mooney | June 16, 2010 1:30 AM
Posted on June 16, 2010 01:30