Journals

Journals-By Melanie Albo Writing can be a challenge for many English language learners. Therefore it is beneficial to have English Language Learners keep a journal. > >
 * __Benefits of Using Journals for English Language Learners:__**
 * Students can keep questions and ideas in a journal.
 * English Language Learners who keep a journal have a record of their development in English.
 * English language learners need to write on a regular basis to help improve their written language skills.
 * English Language Learners will expand their reading comprehension, increase their writing skills, and connect reading and speaking to writing through the use of response journals.
 * Journals allow practice of English sentence structure, syntax, vocabulary, and spelling in a low-stress, uninterrupted approach.
 * Journals keep students organized and accountable for their work. Rereading what has been recorded in journals lets ELLs review the subject and get back on track.
 * __When using Journals, Teachers should:__**
 * Inspire students to keep journals both in and out of class.
 * Encourage students to illustrate their ideas to go along with, or even to replace their written responses in their journals
 * Encourage ELL students to share their response and thoughts, but keep in mind to focus on the meaning they are conveying, not on their grammar.
 * Be aware that some English Language Learners may feel more comfortable and at ease using their foreign language in their journals as a way to help communicate in their writing.
 * Help students look for patterns of error as opposed to marking every kind of mistake in their journal.