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How to Help 3rd Graders Write a Good Journal Entry

Journal writing is a fundamental component of learning how to write. Children are able to write in an easy, conversational tone that doesn't challenge them too much but introduces them to writing a story. Journal writing is key in many aspects of writing because it allows the child to learn how to describe her feelings, while conveying a story. Children in Grade 3 often will need help with their first journal entries as they have very little experience writing.

Instructions

- 1
  Give the third grader a prompt to write about, such as "Name your favorite activity and why it is your favorite," or "What makes you excited and why?"
- 2
  Tell the student to write the journal entry in the first person. This will help him understand that the assignment is personal and he can write in a more conversational tone than he would otherwise.
- 3
  Divide the class into groups of three or four. Instruct the students to talk to each other about what they did the previous night. Tell them to then individually write down what they discussed.
- 4
  Tell the children before they write the journal that they will share with the class. This gives the children extra incentive to work hard on their assignment.
- 5
  Let the child draw a scene for her first journal entries. Many children are better able to describe their journal via picture. The child can later learn how to write a description of the scene.

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