Circle Journals 

Today we will begin circle journals.  The goal is to have you writing for each other--- not for a teacher to correct.   All of your energy should be aimed at telling the other people in your group what you want to say, and making it clear and interesting for your readers.          The teacher will make NO corrections in the journal booklets. 

Steps:

1.  Each group takes books equal to the number of people in the group--plus one for the teacher.   All of the books belong to the group--not one to each person.

2. On the cover of each book, the group lists the names of all the members of the group and the teacher's name. 

3. The group chooses subjects to write about.  The group must choose a different topic for each booklet.  Any topics are allowed, but any member can veto a subject if she or he would be upset to write or read about it.   Write a different title on each book.

4. The groups distribute the booklets--one to each student and one to the teacher for the first writing.  We may do the first one in class, and then exchange books. Each person will take one book, write in it for 20 to 30 minutes, and on the assigned day, bring it back to give to another student in the group.

 5.  After writing in a booklet, each group member should put a check next to her or           his name and pass it to a group member who has not yet written in it.  That person will read what was written and then write in the booklet for 20 to 30 minutes.  Each person has the choice:  (a) to respond to what is already written or (b) to start in a new direction about the subject.

 6.      Please work together to that everyone gets to write about every topic.  After everyone has written in a circle journal once, pass it around a second time and write again.  This will take about 10 or 12 weeks.  Then we will change assignments. 

Past topics include these: Cultural Differences  / Missing My Country /  Why I Hate  School / Television Violence / Television--Good or Bad / My  Favorite Place / Ecology and Our Lives / Who Should be the Boss (at home)  / Modern Marriage /  My Favorite Music / My Favorite Performer/Actor/ Group / Food /  My Happiest Moment /  My Unforgettable Event / My Hopes for the Future / and many topics about traveling and visiting the USA.