Journals in class today

I started journals with my class today.  I have given each child their own three ring binder.  The journals are kept on a shelf in the classroom.  With much excitement each student was presented with their own journal.  Each child excitedly opened up their journal and flipped through the pages.  I could not believe how excited they were.  ALL of them.  I told them that this was their special place to write.  I told them that I was not going to look in their journal.  They were amazed that I was not going to look.  They asked me, not even a peak.  I said no, not even a peak.  They are yours.  You will pick one thing a month to share with me.  But you get to pick what you want to publish and share with me.  They excitedly got started writing about their name which was an adventure.  Every pencil flew across the pages and I did not have a single student moan, I don’t know what to write.  Instead I heard whispers of Mrs. Baker thank you so much for my journal.  I love my journal.  Thank you!  I love to write in my journal.   wow it is amazing how a 1 inch three ring binder coupled with a carefully scaffolded writing lesson could mean to 13 third graders.