Journal Writing 
Each student provides a spiral notebook for use as a writing journal. We write in our 
journals every Friday and the journals do not leave the classroom. I give the students a 
topic each time, but they are always free to write on a topic of their own. If there are 
things going on in our school such as a dance, big football game, etc., these can also 
serve as good ideas for writing topics. Occasionally we will do a follow-up journal 
assignment on a Monday if something was going on over the weekend that involved quite 
a few of the students. 
The standing assignment is one page (front). Students know that what they write in 
their journals is confidential; I will not share anything with the class unless I 
get permission from the student to do so. 

Possible Topics 
· Write about an interesting time in your childhood. 
· Write about a time when you were very homesick. 
· If you had a choice to live anywhere you could, where would it be? 
· Write about the pros/cons of year-round school. 
· What would be in your perfect world? 
· Favorite movies/actors 
· What is your favorite animal? 
· After first semester what would you do differently or the same? 
· What does your food say about you? 
· What is your favorite season and why? 
· Where would I go if I could take a trip anywhere? 
· What kind of movie would you star in? 
· What would you do if you were invisible for a day? 
· If you could spend a day with anyone in history, who would it be and why. 
· If you could live in another time period, what would it be and why. 
· Write about your favorite sport or activity (as a participant or spectator) 
· What is it like to be a freshman? 
· If you could invent something to help mankind, what would it be? 
· What would be your dream vacation? 
· What would you wish for if you had 3 wishes? 
· What is your favorite activity to do? (or 3 favorite) 
· What are you going to do (or did) for spring break? 
· If you could meet any author in history, who would it be, and what would 
  you ask him/her? 
· What do you want to be in life? 
· What was Michael Jordan's impact on basketball? 
· What are your favorite foods? 
· Who has been/is the most influential person in your life? 
· What would you do if you were President? 
· Is the school year too long? Too short? 
· What does your summer usually consist of? 
· Why do you like (or not like) animals? 
· What are your talents? What are the three things you like/hate the most? 
· Who should be paid more, professional athletes or teachers? 
· Should we continue to fund the NASA space program? 
· Should boys and girls pay more for auto insurance, or should boys have to pay more? 
· Who is your idol and why? 
· What class do you enjoy the most and why? 
· Describe a time when you praised someone for doing good. How did it make 
  him/her and you feel? 
· Write about a cherished childhood memory. 
· What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? 
· How would your day go if it went perfectly? 
· Write about the worst fight you have ever had with friend. 
· If you could change something (or 3 things) about yourself, what would they be? 
· If you were going to die and had only a month to live, what would you do? 
· Describe your dream house. 
· Describe the perfect date. 
· Who is your favorite person to be with? Why? 
· Write about a time in your life when you forgot all your worries and surroundings. 
· If you could meet a current celebrity/ group, who would it be? What would you 
  ask him/her? 
· What would be your ideal job when you grow up? 
· If you could guest star on any TV show, what would it be? Why? 
· What do you think your life will be like in 10 years? 
· If you could live anywhere in the world (money not a factor), where would it be? 
· If you could have 2 famous people over for the day, who would it be and what would 
  you do with them? 
· Who do you think is the best/worst actor/actress?