Saturday, February 16, 2013

What is a “Home-School Journal”? 
Are you looking for a way to have your students and their families interact through writing? If so, the “Home-School Journal” is an excellent way to make the connection. This is an exciting approach to teaching reading and writing through family involvement. The idea is that young writers need ongoing opportunities to experiment with print, trying to match sounds to letters, and to express their ideas in writing legibly and clearly for themselves and for others. “Home-School” message journals provide these opportunities for writing by providing a real audience for that writing.
Here's how it works: At school, the children will write a message to their families.  Then, the journal is sent home, and the child's family will wrtie a message back.  Families are encouraged to respond to their child's topic.  For example, if the child's message is about "hibernation" families would be encouraged to make reference to "hibernation" in their response.
I've done these journals with kindergartene through 2nd grade students and the benefits to both chlid and family are amazing.  I hope you enjoy trying out my "Home-School Journals with your little people!
Kyp 




 

4 comments:

  1. I really like this idea. I have a friend at school who does something similar with her 3rd graders. She has a hard time getting parents to write back, do you find you have that issue as well?
    Your blog is adorable by the way! I am a new follower!
    Hilary
    Second Grade is Out of This World!

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  2. Hi! I usually have 100% participation. However, if there is a child whose family is unable or unwilling to write I usually ask a co-worker to write back and forth with them. It is so much fun reading their messages. I recently found one of the journals I had saved and gave it to the parent on Valentine's Day. She sobbed and shared it with her daughter that evening. Both had a good cry! Memories!!

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  3. This is too cute!!! Your blog layout is probably one of the best I've seen!!! :) Keep up the great work-- I'll definitely be coming back!

    Brittany
    http://thesuperheroteacher.blogspot.com/

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  4. Thank you so much for stopping by today!

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