17 Writing in Learning Logs

Page
62
from
Write One Student Handbook

Start-Up Activity

Explain to students that a log is a written record of something. For example, ship captains keep logs, scientists keep logs, as do explorers and travelers. Inform students that keeping a learning log is a way for them to keep track of what is happening in their classes.

Read pages 62–63 to show students a learning log that records the process of a science experiment. Then plan a project in which students keep a log of their work or observations about a subject they are studying.

Enrichment Activity: Have students write learning log entries for a topic of their own choosing. (You can start with the ideas on page 63.) Or for a creative-writing project, have students write log entries as if they were another person (real or imagined) or an animal.

Think About It

“Writing helps you think and remember.”

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.2

62-63

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.5

62-63

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

LAFS.1.W.1.2

62-63

LAFS.1.W.2.5

62-63

TEKS Covered in This Chapter

Page 62-63 from Write One Student Handbook

Lesson Plan

Introduce “Writing in Learning Logs.” Read over the example log entries with the children. Talk about the kinds of things written in a log—what you do in a project (Day 1), what you see or observe (Day 2), facts you learn (Day 3), and so on.

Classroom Applications

Whole Class

Inform the class that they will be writing learning log entries about their next project in science, math, social studies, or reading.
Involve students as much as possible in setting up and continuing whatever project you conduct. Use "My Class Learning Log" for this activity. If students need more room, provide a notebook or stapled papers on which students can write log entries. Each day, take time to talk about how things are progressing and to guide the students’ log entry time. Ask questions like the following: What did we do or see today? What did we learn? Does anyone have a question?
After thorough class discussion, model various learning-log entries on the board. Allow children time to write their own log entries. For practice, they may use one of the model entries to get started.

Small Group

If possible, meet with smaller groups to review the project and give each child a chance to experience whatever materials you are using. This will make the project more relevant for the students, and in turn give them good learning-log entry ideas.

Individual

Naturally, some students will need one-on-one help to understand both the project and the learning-log assignment. Offer individual attention as often as you can. Some children may benefit from dictating part of the entry to you.
Also encourage students who are able to expand on the project using books, their own experiments, and available technology to do so.

Downloads: