Journal 1: Past Writing

Learning Journal 1: Reflecting on Your Past Writing Experiences (750 Words)

The Assignment

In Learning Journal #1, we want to look at your past experiences with writing.  Some of my students enjoy writing, and many don't — some have loved their past writing courses, and others feel that English is their worst subject.

Whatever your past experiences, you are a writer — and you've been writing for years.  Don't believe me?  Here are examples of writing you might be using regularly:

• text messages

• essays for school

• comments on your favorite YouTube video

• status updates

• Amazon reviews

Alongside your writing, you've been reading.  Thanks to the internet, we are constantly engaged with texts.  But maybe you also comic books.  Or those magazines you get from the checkout line in the grocery store.  And every word you read helps you become a better writer.

In this learning journal, discuss your thoughts on your writing, whether it's writing you've done in school or in your personal life.

Questions to Consider

Feel free to use one or more of these to help focus your learning journal.  You are not required use these questions — they're simply for ideas.  Please write whatever comes to mind for your personal experiences.

• What have you learned from past English classes taught you?  Did you enjoy them?  Or not?  Did you find them helpful?

• What are some writing projects you've done?  Have you written essays for class?  Written poems?  Started a novel?  How much did you enjoy these projects?

• What are some books you've read?  Did you enjoy them?  Or not so much?  If you have any favorite books, talk about why you love them.