True Journals

What is a true journal?
 A true journal is a type of personal narrative.  It is a log written by an author at regular intervals. A common feature among most true journals is that the entries are usually dated.  Usually these are published in a way that is effective in sharing historical fiction.  Fictional journals can be animal fantasies when written by animals. 

True journals are effective in the classroom because it gives students a first hand look at what a specific person goes through in their life.  They are fairly common among children because they can either be fiction or nonfiction.  This genre can be either used as a content specific reading activity or it can be a leisurely read for students.  Social studies is a common content area that might involve the most true journals. Students tend to prefer this genre because of it's readability.  The author seems to come to life when someone reads a true journal.  You get to feel how the author felt and learn what they learned.  It may also be beneficial for students to write their own true journals.  This is popular among the younger ages, especially for practicing their writing.  It may be encouraged for students to keep a journal all year and then be able to refer back to it at the end of the year.


Suggested Texts

Image and Information from Scholastic.com

 Are you there God, It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume
Publisher: Hamlyn Young Books
Year: 1998
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.7
Lexile Measure: 590L
Grades: 4-7

Themes:

• Adolescent Issues
• Changes and New Experiences
• Religion and Philosophy
• Friends and Friendship
• Romantic Relationships

Main Ideas:

• Margaret just moved from New York City to the suburbs and is nervous about fitting in with her new friends: Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie
• The girls form a secret club to talk about private subjects like boys, bras, and getting their first periods
• Margaret doesn't have a religion and everyone in her town joins the Y or the Jewish Community Center.  She doesn't know what to do.
• Her life becomes confusing.
• Maybe its all about growing up, but Margaret needs answers.
• So, she turns to God and writes letters to Him daily

Connection to the Classroom:

• Obviously, judging by the themes listed, this book has some critiques
• However, I believe that this book is good for students to read because it relates to them
• I would never have the whole class read it, but I would have it available for girls if I taught the appropriate age.

Image and Information from Scholastic

 Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin
 ISBN-10: 1430104070
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Year: 2008
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.5
Lexile Measure: 490
Interest Level: PreK-2

Themes:

• Insects
• Journal Keeping
• Comedy and Humor

 Main Idea:

• Explains what flieds do
• Humorous, but educational
• Facts are hidden behind the catchy story line
• Life cycle of a fly is even included
• The world needs all kinds of super heros
• Good alternative message as well

Connection to the Classroom:

• This would be a great book for science
• It is a fun perspective on a very interesting insect that most kids can relate to because they see flies all the time
•  Great for children's imagination