What is daily journaling? (e.g. about the reading one has done for that day, or just thoughts)

Thanks.

It depends on the age of the child, but nearly always includes thoughts, daily activites, or even short essays. My youngest (7) often wrote letters in the journal.

Keeping a journal on a regular basis (every day is the best!) is one of the most effective ways a person can develop fluency in writing. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for you:

* Write daily. If you are dealing with students in middle school or older, encourage them to write at least a page a day in either a composition book or a spiral notebook.

* Encourage drawings and writing for younger children, or maybe a drawing one day and some writing the next about that drawing.

* What sets a journal apart from a diary is that a journal entry is usually focused, especially with older students: one topic per journal entry. You can provide lists of topics for your students; you can put a quotation each day on the board; you can pose a question each day; etc. Or you can let students choose their own topics. I used a combination: I'd put a topic or quotation on the board each day, and students could get ideas from that or they could write about their own topics. It didn't matter because the point was to get them to just write.

* Encourage students not to worry about spelling, punctuation, etc. They should just focus on the idea in each journal entry. What happens over time is that students become unafraid of a blank page. That's a big part of the point of this activity.

* Some teachers grade journals; others don't. If you do give them grades, you don't grade on the mechanics of English; you grade only on writing often enough and staying focused on the topic the student has chosen for each entry. It's not even necessary (or possible!) to read the students' journals. Scanning through is usually enough.

There are lots of additional ideas in here:
http://www.google.com/search?q=journal+writing+ideas&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA

Have fun with this. It's very effective.

Daily journaling is the practice of regularly writing down your thoughts, experiences, and reflections on a daily basis. It can involve capturing various aspects of your life, including your thoughts about the reading you have done for the day or simply expressing your personal thoughts and feelings. Journaling can be a helpful tool for self-reflection, self-expression, and personal growth.

If you're interested in starting daily journaling, here's how you can go about it:

1. Choose a journaling method: Decide whether you want to write your journal entries on paper or use a digital platform such as a note-taking app or a journaling app. Use whichever method feels most comfortable for you.

2. Set a regular time: Establish a specific time each day for your journaling practice. It can be in the morning to reflect on your goals for the day, in the evening to reflect on your experiences, or anytime that suits your schedule.

3. Start with prompts: If you're unsure where to begin, start with simple prompts to get your thoughts flowing. For example, you can reflect on a book you've read, describe a meaningful conversation you had, or write about a highlight or challenge of your day.

4. Be honest and open: Journaling is a personal practice, so be honest and open in expressing your thoughts and feelings. There's no right or wrong way to journal, so write freely without worrying about grammar or structure.

5. Reflect and learn: Use your journaling practice as an opportunity for self-reflection. Take the time to analyze and understand your thoughts and emotions. You may discover patterns, gain insights, or find solutions to problems as you reflect on your experiences.

6. Stay consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to daily journaling. Establishing a regular habit will help you derive the most benefit from the practice. Even if you're short on time, try to journal for at least a few minutes each day.

Remember, daily journaling is a personal journey, meant to support your well-being and personal growth. Make it a practice that works for you, and adjust your journaling approach as needed.