Interactive journal ideas?

[Nordic]

If you've done interactive journals, how did you structure them? Were they between you and individual students, between school and home, or what?

I am teaching first grade this year--this is the youngest grade I've ever taught. So if you have ideas for interactive journals at this level, it would be great. Ideas for second grade interactive journals would also be good, since the level of work for some of my students will be above grade level.

[Mathwizz]

If you've done interactive journals, how did you structure them? Were they between you and individual students, between school and home, or what?

I am teaching first grade this year--this is the youngest grade I've ever taught. So if you have ideas for interactive journals at this level, it would be great. Ideas for second grade interactive journals would also be good, since the level of work for some of my students will be above grade level.

I teach 11 & 12 grades and I've always had students maintain journals. On Friday I will review each one to 1. Make sure they are staying on task 2. To get an feel if they are doing the work 3. To keep an on going accounting so that at the end of the term when a students parent calls wanting to know why Johnny got a X I have proof that X was the grade he/she deserved based on the weekly work and journal. It takes a bit of time but it definitely is worth it.

[Nordic]

Thanks! Part of the reason I wanted to start interactive journals between school and home is for the parents' benefit. I'm glad to see that you have found them useful in this way.

[Booky]

I would imagine that with all the helicopter parenting that you would want a good fail-safe in place like that. Plus it helps teach the kids a lot of good habits.