Topics for a Third Grade Journal
Journal writing allows students to explore their thoughts and beliefs through writing. Whether as a class-starting activity or integrated into general lessons, it gives third grade students the chance to practice their writing skills in an informal and stress-free fashion. By selecting topics about which students care, and providing prompts that evoke emotion and excitement, teachers can turn journal writing into a favorite part of their class.
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On this Day in History...
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Use historical events as the jumping-off point for student journals, by creating an "On This Day in History... " prompt. Select an historically significant event that happened on the date that you are assigning the journal, and ask students to reflect upon this event. To determine what events happened on what days, you can visit the History Channel's On This Day in History site.
A Good Friend
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Encourage your students to develop healthy and productive friendships, by asking them to compose a journal in which they think about the qualities of a good friend. Ask your students to list characteristics of a good friend and explain why these characteristics make someone a strong candidate for friendship.
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Life on Another Planet
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Mix science with your journal activity by asking your third graders to think about how life might be on a different planet. After reading about other planets and gathering information on how their solar system and landscape differs from ours, ask students to select one and compose a short account of life on that planet from the point of view of an individual who calls that planet home.
Struggling
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Give students the opportunity to ask for help by asking them to fill in the blanks in the sentence, "I am struggling with _____ because ______." Encourage students to be honest about things that they find difficult. Respond to each student's concerns, either in writing or verbally, to let them know that you are there to help them.
Free Journal Day
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Periodically, let your students write about whatever they wish.By giving your students the chance to write free of confines, you allow them to truly express their thoughts, feelings and interests. Instead of placing your prompt on the board, write "Free Journal Day" and ask your students to fill their journal page with whatever information they would like.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit journal image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
