To: My Fabulous Students

From: Mrs. Winterbotham

Subject: JOURNALS

Date: Friday, October 2

Dear Writers,

As discussed in class today, next week we will begin keeping journals. This is a special assignment, something that you will be doing more for yourselves than for me. I am never going to read them. I promise! These are just for you!!

Why do I say “journal” rather than “diary”? Here’s one way to look at it: A diary is about what you do, a journal is about what you think! About what you want to work on in your life. About figuring out who you are. A diary tells us what you did. A journal discusses who you will become!

This is how it will work: Three times a week (M/W/F), we will take class time to work on our journals. I say “we” because I will be journaling right along with you! I will not be working on lesson plans or correcting papers. I will be doing the same thing you are.

I feel this is the best way to show you how seriously I take this.

Your assignment for this weekend is to find a blank book of some kind to serve as your journal. Please have it in class for Monday.

I call this project a lifesaver…you are saving something of yourself FOR yourself!

Remember the proverb: “The shortest pencil beats the longest memory.” I guarantee that the day will come when the YOU you are to become will be delighted to have this.

—Mrs. W