By Robin Vaupel, author of My Contract With Henry
Journal Writing Activities for Middle School Students
Thoreau Reader: Home - Teaching Thoreau - Journal Writing
Link to: Student Project Page
To acquaint students with the life of Henry David Thoreau and the significance of his writings To introduce students to well-known quotations of Thoreau as a window to his literary works. To structure journal writing activities that will engage students in thinking and writing activities that mimic those of Thoreau. About journal writing...Discovering Henry Thoreau Finding Your Own Walden Experimenting With Your Life Spending Time With Yourself Meeting the Future Going Public With Your Journal Please Note: It is especially important that students keep up with their assignments, because they are cummulative, and the process does not work if you save everything for the last minute.Journal writing is a means of self-discovery. To be authentic and unique, journal writing must be honest and specific. Privacy is essential so students can freely tap into their inner lives and creativity. Journal writing is private writing, and only becomes public writing at the author’s discretion. Students should be encouraged to reread their work immediately because often new ideas present themselves. Rereading entries aloud (privately or to a partner) can also stir new thoughts in the writer’s mind. Students will select entries to polish, edit, and share with classmates and to submit for teacher evaluation. Public writing comprises the academic portion of the student’s journal.
Thoreau Reader: Home - Teaching Thoreau - Journal Writing