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Using Journals With Reluctant Writers
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Using Journals With Reluctant Writers
Building Portfolios for Middle and High School Students



May 2000 | 160 pages | Corwin

"I loved the book and the soulful responses it generated from my reluctant writers."
Dee Conklin, Ph.D
Teacher, Reno Sparks Indian Colony
Reno, NV  

"This journal program is authentic and gets students to write! Because the journal topics reflect current issues, my students respond positively. And, I get great insight into their lives."
Carol Popowich
Resource Teacher, Marshall Alternative High School
Bend, OR

"This is a book that is sorely needed! I'm impressed with the mature way the topics are presented to the students."
Rob Owens
Teacher, Washburn Rural High School
Topeka, KS

"This is one of the best books I have seen on topics for writing. All students could benefit from this – not just the reluctant writer."
Carol Miller, Intervention Specialist  
Mineral Ridge High School
Mineral Ridge, OH

Inspire your students to communicate and reflect through writing!

Using Journals With Reluctant Writers is an effective language arts tool for teachers, especially those who teach at-risk, alternative, and special education students. Designed to inspire even the most reluctant writers, journal topics are followed by non-revealing, non-threatening exercises to introduce writing as a means of expression and to allow students to test teacher reactions. Positive teacher responses then encourage students to move on to material that require more personal reflection and further elaboration.

Whether using the journals for daily practice or weekly assignments, teachers can effectively lead students through critical thinking, self-discovery, and ultimately more relevant and proficient writing. Each chapter begins with a topical, thought-provoking quote and concludes with suggested videos and related readings that can be used for more comprehensive assignments. Using Journals With Reluctant Writers also assists teachers and students in creating a complete language arts portfolio.

Highlights of this teacher's guide include:

    • Topical chapter-opening quotes that instill deeper self-reflection
    • Multiple questions for each topic to encourage more in-depth responses
    • Suggested readings for more comprehensive assignments
    • Suggested videos for each journal topic—students relate well to videos!
    • Flexible format for daily entries or weekly assignments
    • 45 journal topics for weekly assignments throughout the academic year

An essential resource for any teacher who wants to motivate students to write well and write often, while thinking critically about their own lives and choices.

 


 
Introduction
 
School
Suggested Video: Dead Poet's Society

 
 
Trading Places
Suggested Video: LadyHawke

 
 
Life Summary
Suggested Video: Forrest Gump / Suggested Reading: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

 
 
Friendship
Suggested Video: Breaking Away / Suggested Reading: Walk Two Moons

 
 
Family
Suggested Video: Parenthood

 
 
Home
Suggested Video: What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

 
 
Talents
Suggested Video: Mr Holland's Opus

 
 
Fears
Suggested Video: The River Wild / Suggested Reading: Touching the Void

 
 
Sports
Suggested Video: Rudy

 
 
Expectations
Suggested Video: Stand and Deliver

 
 
Autumn Holidays
Suggested Video: The War / Suggested Reading: Born on the 4th of July

 
 
Being Alone
Suggested Video: Iron Will / Suggested Reading: Hatchet

 
 
Communication
Suggested Video: Renaissance Man / Suggested Reading: Romeo and Juliet

 
 
Peace
Suggested Video: Star Trek IV

 
 
Giving
Suggested Video: It's a Wonderful Life / Suggested Reading: The Gift of the Magi

 
 
The Future
Suggested Video: Multiplicity / Suggested Reading: The Giver

 
 
Coming of Age
Suggested Video: Dirty Dancing / Suggested Reading: The Car

 
 
Dating
Suggested Video: Roxanne

 
 
Children
Suggested Video: My Girl

 
 
Old Age
Suggested Video: Cocoon

 
 
What Dreams May Come
Suggested Video: What Dreams May Come / Suggested Reading: Tuck Everlasting

 
 
Money
Suggested Video: Greedy

 
 
Occupations
Suggested Video: My Bodyguard / Suggested Reading: The Midwife's Apprentice

 
 
Emotions
Suggested Video: The Color Purple / Suggested Reading: The Color Purple

 
 
Crimes
Suggested Video: Cool Hand Luke / Suggested Reading: Holes

 
 
Punishments
Suggested Video: Philadelphia

 
 
Cliques and Gangs
Suggested Video: The Outsiders / Suggested Reading: The Outsiders

 
 
Uniqueness
Suggested Video: School Ties / Suggested Reading: Night

 
 
Equality
Suggested Video: A League of Their Own / Suggested Readings: Sounder; Black Like Me

 
 
Fame
Suggested Video: Malcolm X / Suggested Reading: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

 
 
Decisions
Suggested Video: Benny and Joon

 
 
Dreaming
Suggested Video: Field of Dreams

 
 
Television and Movies
Suggested Video: The Truman Show

 
 
Experiences
Suggested Video: White Fang / Suggested Reading: To Build a Fire

 
 
Famous Dates
Suggested Video: Groundhog Day

 
 
Leaders
Suggested Video: War of the Buttons / Suggested Reading: Lord of the Flies

 
 
Lies
Suggested Video: Liar, Liar / Suggested Reading: Lies

 
 
Truths
Suggested Video: Contact

 
 
Sickness
Suggested Video: The Cure

 
 
Health
Suggested Video: Running Brave

 
 
Personality
Suggested Video: Young Einstein / Suggested Reading: Searching for Bobby Fisher

 
 
Mysteries
Suggested Video: The Fugitive / Suggested Reading: Hound of the Baskervilles

 
 
What If...
Suggested Video: Deep Impact

 
 
Spring
Suggested Video: Desert Bloom

 
 
Graduation
Suggested Video: With Honors

 

"I loved the book and the soulful responses it generated from my reluctant writers." 

Dee Conklin, Ph.D.
Teacher, Reno Sparks Indian Colony

 "This journal program is authentic and gets students to write! Because the journal topics reflect current issues, my students respond positively. And, I get great insight into their lives."

Carol Popowich
Resource Teacher, Marshall Alternative High School

"This is a book that is sorely needed! I’m impressed with the mature way the topics are presented to the students." 

Rob Owens
Teacher, Washburn Rural High School

"This is one of the best books I have seen on topics for writing. All students could benefit from this – not just the reluctant writer." 

Carol Miller, Intervention Specialist
Mineral Ridge High School, Mineral Ridge, OH

"The topics and assignments are intended to develop students’ critical thinking skills, encourage self-discovery, and ultimately result in more relevant and proficient writing." 

Exceptional Child Education Resources
Summer 2001, Volume 33(2)

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Paperback
ISBN: 9780761976127
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