Journal Information

Topics:

  • Usually, the specific topic of your journal is up to you. Usually, however, you will be asked to write in a particular mode (narrative, descriptive, expositive, or persuasive) and to practice a particular writing skill.
  • Your journal is not a place to write factual reports. All journal writing must be original.
  • Copied work is worth no credit.
  • Remember that the teacher will read each journal and may share the journal with a counselor, administrator, or parent.

Organization:

  • Number each week's journal and write the turn in date in the top right hand corner.
  • Keep your writing hooked in a folder with prongs. You must have it in the folder to turn it in.
  • You should save your journal writing from week to week in your folder.

Purpose:

  • Journal writing helps you become more fluent -- more comfortable with writing.
  • Journals provide an opportunity for you to share your ideas and express opinions.
  • You can practice your writing skills and try out new or different writing techniques.
  • Seventh graders will take the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing in February.
  • It is important to practice writing.

Turning In:

  • Journals are due at the beginning of your class period each Friday or the last day of school each week. They are a standing weekly assignment. Be sure to turn journals in on time.
  • Place your journal in the box for your class.
  • If you are absent on the due date, the assignment is due the first day you are back to school. If you were absent on the day it was due, please write absent on it and put it in the turn in tray on my desk.
  • If it is simply late, fill out a late assignment sheet. When the journal is finished, hook it in your folder and turn it into the basket on my desk.

Grades:

  • Journals are worth 25 points each week.
  • In order to earn all 25 points, your journal must include both pre-writing and the journal entry. The entry should be long enough, it must be on time, and it must show sufficient effort. Otherwise, it will be worth reduced credit.
  • If it is illegible, you will be required to rewrite it neatly.
  • If it is not finished, it will be returned to you to finish and then turn in for late credit.
  • Spelling and mechanics may be marked but probably will not count off on your grade if it appears that the overall effort is acceptable. Corrections of such problems should be made in subsequent journals.
  • If you are absent the day your journals is due, it will be recorded as a grade of zero. If it is made up within the week, it will be worth full credit.
  • If you do not have a journal but are at school the day it is due, it will be recorded as a grade of one (1), but you can make it up for half credit.