Choosing a journal topic that allows the students to tell the teacher something about themselves shows the students that the teacher is interested in them as people. Ask the students to tell you about what they did over the weekend, their family, any hobbies and what they would like to be when they grow up. Learning personal details of a student's life can help you create a solid foundation for a positive relationship between you and your students.
Each student struggles in a different area based on their personal interests and skill levels. In some cases, it may be easy for you to see where each student is struggling. However, some students are able to hide their struggles better. Assign journal topics that ask your students where they feel they could use some extra guidance and what you can do to help. Sometimes, even if you know with what area the student struggles, you may not know what you can do to help. Hearing it in the student's own words can help you create a stronger relationship and truly help each student.
Letting the students have a say in their journal topics helps students feel more in control of their writing assignments. You can still maintain a bit of control over the assignment by choosing a short list of topics from which the students can choose. Select topics that all fit a theme, such as hobbies or creating a story. The sense of freedom helps students realize that you trust them to make decisions and gives them a sense of control over their schooling. These feelings create a stronger student-teacher relationship.
Selecting a journal topic that allows your students to share their favorite things helps them learn to open up to you. A favorites-themed journal topic also requires the students to think a little more than some other journal topics. Ask students to share with you their favorite toy, Christmas present, vacation destination or song and why it is their favorite. These journal entries allow you to learn more about your students' interests and lets your students know that you want to know more about them. Knowing what each student likes helps you to promote a positive student-teacher relationship by having discussions that incorporate their interests.