Why write journals?
First of all, plenty of people keep personal journals to help organize their thoughts. It's a great way to get out things you can't tell anyone else, or things that you want to tell others, but aren't sure how to do it. When you keep a journal, it truly helps you become a better thinker.
The journals I ask you to keep are more focused, because you need to practice writing on one topic (even a topic you don't like) for an extended period of time. Also, as the semester progresses, you will learn to write more clearly knowing that I will be reading them. You will become better at adding detail and expanding your ideas as we discuss those topics in class each day. Plus, it's a great way to get to know one another.
If you miss a day, or several days, you are responsible for making those journals up.
First of all, plenty of people keep personal journals to help organize their thoughts. It's a great way to get out things you can't tell anyone else, or things that you want to tell others, but aren't sure how to do it. When you keep a journal, it truly helps you become a better thinker.
The journals I ask you to keep are more focused, because you need to practice writing on one topic (even a topic you don't like) for an extended period of time. Also, as the semester progresses, you will learn to write more clearly knowing that I will be reading them. You will become better at adding detail and expanding your ideas as we discuss those topics in class each day. Plus, it's a great way to get to know one another.
If you miss a day, or several days, you are responsible for making those journals up.
Journal Requirements
Create one document labeled, “Journals” in Google Docs and share it with me at [email protected]
12pt.
Times New Roman Font
Single-Spaced
1/2 page in length
Include the date of the journal
Type topic to begin
On the next line down, begin your thought
12pt.
Times New Roman Font
Single-Spaced
1/2 page in length
Include the date of the journal
Type topic to begin
On the next line down, begin your thought
Further Options
If you don't like to write a traditional journal, that's okay! There are two options I have come up with to meet the standard and learning goals, and I am open to other suggestions as well. Note: If you choose one of these options, it is your responsibility to communicate to me which you choose so your grade is not affected.
Option OneEncyclopedia
Instead of writing on the topics given, you could write a personal encyclopedia. For this option, you need not follow any specific order, but would choose a word or phrase you'd like to write about, and create an encyclopedia of your life. The requirements for content and format remain the same as above. Here is an example entry (partial) from an encyclopedia I started: Apple-Butter A few years ago, I didn’t even know what apple-butter was. I had seen it in a few stores and at craft sales, but I never actually tasted it. So, my curiosity got the best of me and one year, two years ago, actually, when my aunt and uncle gave me a bunch of their apples, I decided to make a batch. The reason I remember that it was two years ago, by the way, is because I ended up getting second-degree burns on my left hand when I made it. While the burn was a horrible experience, the apple-butter was delicious. I didn’t make any last year, but this year, I’m in the middle of making a second batch. This time, I’ve decided to make a double-batch. I think it’ll go pretty quickly, because it’s such a good recipe, everyone in my family wants some. I really like that people request me to make it. It makes me feel valuable and like I have a talent. See Also: Burn, Rain |
Option TwoBlog
If you would like, you can write in the style of a blog. Your topics will be up to you, but if you choose this option I ask that you read this article and watch the video below so you understand better how to set up your blog. We will invite the class to read and respond to your blog, and if you'd like someone outside of class to read it, let me know and I can invite them. If they are not invited, they will not be able to read anything you write. Again, the requirements for content and format are the same, however there is some wiggle room for format, as I'm sure you can imagine. More articles on blogging:You might find reading these articles will help you get ideas for your blog as well:
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