Journal Topics for Self Understanding

The following journal topics all are geared to help students learn a little more about themselves as they grow in self-understanding. In addition to the topics listed below, associative writing, the writing of thoughts as fast as they come to mind without worrying about sentence structure or punctuation, may be particularly helpful when a student is troubled or experiencing writers block. When I need time for myself...If I could live anywhereI really miss...I never expected...An unusual day in my lifeFor my birthday Id like...The worst gift I ever got...I daydream most about...I really wish....Something few people realize about meI wish I werent so...One of my best points is...One of my most important goals is...I dream that one day...My hardest class isWhat makes me feel proud isIm glad Im alive whenSome little things I often forget to enjoyAssociative Writing: Associative writing, also called free writing, requires that the student writes his or her thoughts as fast as they come to mind with no attention to sentence structure or punctuation. The technique may be particularly helpful when a student is troubled or suffering from writers block. Although I like to teach students how and when to use associative writing, I prefer that they do it outside of class and not as an English assignment.