Access the {Personal Journal Bank} of Ideas!
Access the {Reflective Learning Journal} of Prompts!
#1 Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Topic: "My Best Friend" [reflective]
#2 Monday, September 19, 2005
Topic: "Someone I Really Admire" [reflective]
#3 Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Topic: "A memorable book character is..." [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "The Top Ten Characteristics of a Good Friend" [reflective] Topic: "Once Upon a Time...." [3 paragraphs] [narrative] Topic: "My trip to Mars became really exciting when ----------" [2-3 paragraphs] [narrative] Topic: "Why did Ancient Egypt thrive? What did they do inovatively?" [reflective]
#4 Wednesday, October 5, 2005
#5 Friday, October 7, 2005
#6 Tuesday, October 11, 2005
#7 Wednesday, October 12, 2005
#8 Thursday, October 13, 2005
Topic: "When I was younger, my biggest fear was -----" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "While walking in the meadow, I felt the hair on the back of my neck raise when-----" [3-4 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "The People Who Are Most Respectful" [3-5 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "Ancient Egypt was a civilization of..." [one reflective paragraph]
Topic: "My Trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame" [2-3 paragraphs] [narrative/reflective]
Topic: Think of someone you admire. What qualities does he/she have that you like? [reflective]
Topic: With which personal possession do you feel you could least likely live without. Why? [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "My Favorite Movie" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "My Favorite Holiday" [reflective]
Topic: "My Three-Day Weekend" [reflective] [Please do later in the weekend...]
Topic: "That Blue Light" [2-3 paragraphs] [invented story based on Transall Saga]
Topic: "What would it take to annoy you?" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "In ten years, I will be..." [reflective]
Topic: "Who would you take with you on the best vacation? Why?" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "Retell the scariest story you have ever heard!" [narrative]
Topic: "Tell about several old items in your house. Why are they special?" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is your worst fear?" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "My List of Things About Which I Wonder!" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "The last thing on my mind when I drifted off to sleep..." [reflective]
Topic: "It's time I..." [reflective]
Topic: "The Parthenon" [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "My Thanksgiving Weekend" [reflective]
Topic: "I can't forget how silly I felt when..." [reflective]
Topic: "My mother makes the best..." [narrative]
Topic: "The first thing on my mind when I woke up this morning..." [reflective]
Topic: "Thanks Miss Owens" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "Some of the ways I get rid of boredom..." [reflective]
Topic: "It's Mr. P's Memmie's 95th birthday today. I appreciate my grandma because..." [reflective]
Topic: "My Daily Trip to School" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "Some of the Places I'd Like to Visit Again" [reflective]
Topic: "I am excited about the lock-in because..." [reflective]
Topic: "When it comes to------, I'm ------" [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "Winter Holidays" [3-5 paragraphs] [reflective/narrative]
Topic: "Some of the Foods I'd Never Want to Eat Again!" [reflective]
Topic: "Things I Wish Were Never Invented!" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "I know I'll be able to...." [reflective]
Topic: "The smell of ---- reminds me of..." [reflective]
Topic: "How I Would Recognize --(person)-- Without the Sense of Sight" [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "The Recurring Dream" [reflective]
Topic: "I wish Meigs...." [reflective]
Topic: "The best part of winter is......." [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "My Winter Adventure!" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "Hope" [personal narrative]
Topic: "What did you do over the three day weekend?" [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is something you do well?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is the best birthday present you could receive?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is the best birthday present you did ever receive?" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "What is your favorite song and why?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is your favorite room in your home and why?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is a good neighbor?" [2 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is the worst thing parents can do to their children?" [2 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is your favorite time of day?" [2 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is your idea of a dull evening?" [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What did you do over the three day weekend?" [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is the best way to treat meddlesome people?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is something you dislike about yourself?" [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is something about which you are optimistic?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is something about which you are pessimistic?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is something about which you are indifferent?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is your most indispensable possession and why?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is the meaning of "He/she laughs best who laughs last"?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is your favorite food? Why?" [2 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is your favorite month? Why?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is your favorite day of the week?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is your favorite holiday? What makes this holiday special?" [2 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What is the best advice you ever received?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is something that really bugs you? Why?" [reflective]
Topic: "What is something that really makes you angry? Why?" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "What is something that makes you feel sad? Why?" [reflective]
Topic: "Pi Day" [reflective]
Topic: "The Ides of March" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "What is your favorite book and why?" [3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What plans do you have for spring break?" [reflective]
Topic: "If you could break the Guiness Book of Records for what would be?" [1-3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "If you had to describe yourself as a color, which would you choose?" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "If you could participate in an Olympic event, which one would you choose and why?" [reflective]
Topic: "What would happen if everyone wore the same clothes? Why?" [3-4 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "What would happen if you threw a piece of trash on the ground? What if everyone did?" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What if you could walk up walls and across ceilings?" [1-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "If you were five years older you would..." [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "If you were lost in the woods and it got dark, what would you do?" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "If it were your job to decide what shows can be on t.v., how would you choose?" [3-4 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "If there were no rules, what do you think would happen? Why?" [3-4 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What would happen if you could fly whenever you wanted? When would you use this ability?" [2-3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "What would happen if there were no television? Why would this be good? bad?" [3-4 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What if all the streets were rivers? What would be different?" [3-4 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What if cows gave root beer instead of milk?" [1-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What would happen if everyone lived in space? What type of houses would they live in? What type of clothing would they wear? What type of food would they eat? How would they travel" [3-5 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "If you could ask any character a question, who and what would you ask? If you could ask the author a question, who and what might that be? Explain why you chose these questions." [5-7 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What would happen if there were no cars, buses, trains, boats, or planes? How would this change your life?" [5-6 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What would happen if animals could talk? What are some of the questions you would like to ask animals?" [2-3 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "What would happen if you could become invisible whenever you wanted to? What are some of the things you could do that you cannot do now?" [3-4 paragraphs] [reflective]
Topic: "What would happen if people never cooperated? Why do you think it is important to cooperate? How has that been applied this school year?" [4-5 paragraphs] [reflective]
| Access the {Personal Journal Bank} of Ideas! |
| Access the {Reflective Learning Journal} of Prompts! |
Archives! [2004-2005]
Personal Journal Entries [2004-2005]
Topic: "My Personal Artifact" [reflective]
Topic: "What Is a Learning Community?" [reflective]
Topic: "Have You Met My Favorite Pet?" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "Do You Know One of My Heros?" [3 paragraphs] [narrative]
Topic: "My Greatest Influence" [5 paragraphs] [personal narrative]
What phenomenon in "nature" are you most like? Why? [reflective]
Autumn means... [reflective]
What tree would you be? Why? [reflective]
My View of School Lunch! [persuasive]
Manners! What do they mean? [persuasive or reflective]
At Meigs, I would change... [persuasive]
Egypt Day... (minimum of 3 paragraphs) [reflective]
Comparison paragraph of Keiko's two homes (pp. 112-113) [comparison]
What connections does the modern government in Iraq and the civilization that used to be (Mesopotamia) there have in commomn? What differences? What is the hope for the government there in the future? [persuasive and/or reflective] {3 paragraphs}
The season of giving means... Personally, I feel... [persuasive or reflective] {2-3 paragraphs}
A civil community at Meigs can occur if... [reflective] {2-3 paragraphs}
The book Chinese Cinderella compares to the other Cinderella versions we have studied this year how? [reflective] {3-5 paragraphs}
"I am trapped in a smoky room. I can't seem to get to the door to leave." Write a snapshot of your experience. Include adjectives and adverbs while labeling both. [persuasive or reflective] {1-2 paragraphs}
Today is 05.05.05. Write about this special number sequence or other ones. [reflective]
Some of the best memories of sixth grade have been... [reflective]
? [persuasive or reflective]
? [persuasive or reflective]
? [persuasive or reflective]
Field Day is today. [reflective]
? [persuasive or reflective]
? [persuasive or reflective]
? [persuasive or reflective]
? [persuasive or reflective]
? [persuasive or reflective]
Tomorrow is the last day of Sixth Grade. What will you miss. What are your feelings about moving to Seventh Grade? [persuasive or reflective]
| •Other Prompts and Response Items... |
4. If you could change the life or lives of a story character, to make their lives more like the lives of the characters in the book or story you are reading, whose lives would you change? How would you change their lives? Why did you pick these people or that person?
5. If you were to put this story into your own life, in the area where you live, around the people and friends that you know, how would the story have to change? How would the people change? Would the setting have to change? Why would these changes have to take place?
6. Sometimes we are pulled toward one or two characters in the story. We identify with them or feel sympathy for them. With which characters do you identify in the book, and why do you believe you identify with them?
7. Sometimes when we read, certain words or phrases or images stand out. Maybe they are words or phrases that make an impression because of their sound, or maybe the meaning or image they make strikes us? Sometimes we find words or expressions we just do not understand. Share those that you have come across and describe why you listed them.
8. Now that you are this far into the story, what do you look forward to learning next? What conflicts or problems do you think the characters will face? What qualities of your character (honest, loyal, cruel, dishonest, angry, vengeful) will affect how the character handles the problems and conflicts he or she encounters?
9. If you could ask any character a question, what would you ask? If you could ask the author a question, what might that be? Explain why you chose these questions.
What if...
* What would happen if you could fly whenever you wanted? When would you use this ability?
* What would happen if there were no television? Why would this be good? bad?
* What would happen if everyone lived in space? What type of houses would they live in? What type of clothing would they wear? What type of food would they eat? How would they travel?
* What if cows gave root beer instead of milk?
* What if all the streets were rivers? What would be different?
* What would happen if people never co-operated? Why do you think it is important to co-operate?
* What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?
* What would happen if animals could talk? What are some of the questions you would like to ask animals?
* What would happen if you could become invisible whenever you wanted to? What are some of the things you could do that you cannot do now?
* What would happen if everyone wore the same clothes?
* What would happen if you threw a piece of trash on the ground? What if everyone did?
* What if you could walk up walls and across ceilings?
* What would happen if you loved your neighbor as yourself? What if everyone did?
* What would happen if you grew taller than trees? How would this change your life?
* What would happen if children ruled the world?
* What would happen if there were no cars, buses, trains, boats, or planes? How would this change your life?
* What if everyone lived under water? Where would people live? What games would children play? What would school be like?
* What would happen if you found gold in your backyard?
* What would you do if a bully bothered you on your way home?
* What would you do if you did very poorly of a test?
* What would you do if a friend borrows things from you but never returns them?
* What would you do if you were the teacher and everyone forgot his homework?
* What would you do if you were in the middle of the lake and your boat began to leak?
* What would you do if your friend had a broken leg? How would you cheer him up?
* What would you do if you saw little bugs in your salad?
* What would you do if you woke up in another country and no one could understand you?
* What would you do if you ordered an ice cream cone and you forgot to bring money?
* What would you do if someone got in front of you when you were in line at the movies?
* What would you do if your jelly sandwich fell upside down on the floor?
* What would you do if only one hot dog is left and neither you nor your friend have had one?
* What would you do if two of your best friends went to the movies without inviting you?
* What would you do if the surprise party was for you but you weren't surprised?
* What would you do if you got a present you didn't like?
* What would you do if you were at home and your homework was at school?
* What would you do if you dropped the cookie jar and it broke?
* What would you do if you were invited to two parties on the same day?
* What would you do if you promised to feed your pet and you didn't?
* What would you do if someone said you did something wrong and you didn't?
* What would you do if your new shoes felt fine in the store but now they are hurting?
* What would you do if someone told you a joke that you don't think is funny?
* What would you do if an hour before the party you remember you don't have a gift?
* What would you do if a friend comes to your house and his/her mom doesn't know he's/she's there?
* What would you do if you had four math problems marked wrong that were right?
* What would you do if you found in the street?
* What would you do if you found a magic wand?
* What would you do if you wanted to be friends with someone who spoke no English?
* What would you say if someone told you it was all right to steal from a large department store?
* What would you do if you saw a friend cheating--report it, confront the friend, nothing--and why?
* If you could have been someone in history, who would you have been?
* If you could only take 3 people with you on a trip around the world, who would you take and why?
* If you could give any gift in the world, what would you give and to whom?
* If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
* If you received any sum of money as a gift, what would you do with it?
* If you could do whatever you wanted to right now, what would you do?
* If you were principal of this school, what would you do?
* If you were a mouse in your house in the evening, what would you see your family doing?
* If you were five years older you would...
* If you were lost in the woods and it got dark, what would you do?
* If it were your job to decide what shows can be on t.v., how would you choose?
* If there were no rules, what do you think would happen?
* If you owned a store, what would you do to discourage people from stealing from you?
* If you could participate in an Olympic event, which one would you choose and why?
* If you could break the Guiness Book of Records it would be for?
* If you had to describe yourself as a colour, which would you choose?
* If your friend told you of a secret plan to run away from home, what would you do and why?
What do you think...
* What do you think of 3D movies?
* What do you think someone your age can do to help reduce the amount of pollution in our environment?
* What do you think the world needs now?
* What do you think your friends say to each other when you're not around?
* What do you think about the amount of violence on T.V.?
* What do you think about people polluting the environment?
* What do you think about having set rules for people to follow?
* What do you think about people who are inconsiderate of others?
* What do you think should be done to keep people who are under the influence of alcohol off the road?
* What do you think the world will be like when you are a grown up?
* What do you think about ghosts?
* What do you think of someone who has bad manners?
* What do you think about people who take advantage of others?
* What do you think about when you can't fall asleep?
* What do you think courage means?
* What do you think makes a good friend?
* What do you think makes a happy family?
* What pollutants do you think do the most damage and why?
* What things do you think are beautiful?
What...misc.
* What do you like most about yourself?
* What do you like to do in your free time?
* What kind of animal would you like to be and why?
* What kind of trophy would you like to win?
* What TV or movie star would you like to invite to your birthday party?
* What does "Clothes make the person" mean to you?
* What does "Have your cake and eat it too" mean to you?
* What does "The early bird gets the worm" mean to you?
* What do we mean when we say, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence"?
* What does "You can't take it with you" mean?
* What do we mean when we say, "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"?
* What do we mean when we say, "Hitch your wagon to a star"?
* What does "still waters run deep" mean to you?
* What does "There are two sides to every coin" mean to you?
* What does Canada mean to you?
* What are you afraid of? Why?
* What are junk foods?
* What are some nutritious foods that you like?
* What are some rules you have to follow at home?
* What are some examples of prejudice?
* What is more important to you, appearance or personality?
* What is most important to you in a friend--loyalty, generosity, honesty--why?
* What is something that makes you melancholy?
* What makes your best friend your best friend?
* What makes you feel safe?
* What makes you laugh?
* What would you invent to make life better?
* What would you do to entertain your family without spending any money?
* What effects does watching violence have on people?
* What effects do cigarette and alcohol advertising have on young people?
* What kind of t.v. commercial would you like to make? Describe it.
* What kind of pet would you most like to have--monkey, snake, goat--why?
* What kind of program do you enjoy most on TV--detective shows, comedies, game shows--and why?
* What advice would you give a new student?
* What advice would you give to someone who stole something but now feels guilty?
* What things are better than going to school? Why?
* What talents do you have?
* What three words would describe you right now?
* What four things are most important in your life?
* What color makes you think of happiness?
* What has been the most fun activity at school so far?
* What quality do you like about yourself--creativity, personality, appearance--why?
* What eccentric behavior in a friend disturbs you the most?
* What parts of nature do you like best?
* What do you do for exercise?
How...
* How do you feel when it's your birthday? Why?
* How do you feel on the first day of winter? Why?
* How would you feel if you were going to be on a show? Why?
* How do you feel when you do something wrong?
* How do you feel when you do something that is very good?
* How do you feel when you play a trick on someone?
* How would you feel if a new child moved into your neighborhood?
* How do you think the new child would feel?
* How do you feel when you have had a fight with your best friend?
* How do you think your friend felt?
* How do you feel when you are in bed with the lights out?
* How do you feel when you want something very badly and you cannot have it? Why is this so important to have?
* How do you feel on a warm sunny day?
* How do you feel when you stay with a babysitter?
* How do you feel when you're leaving home on vacation?
* How do you feel when you sleep at someone's house?
* How do you feel during a thunderstorm?
* How do you feel on the first day of school?
* How do you feel when your parents are upset with you? Why do they become upset with you?
* How do you feel on Thanksgiving? What are you thankful for?
* How do feel on (any holiday)?
* How do you feel when something scares you? What do you do when this happens?
* How would you feel if someone told you that you were his or her best friend?
* How do you feel about your appearance?
* How would you change the world to make it better?
* How do you think eating junk food affects you?
* How do you have the most fun--alone, with a large group, with a few friends--and why?
* Explain how to play your favorite game.
I wish...
* I wish I had a million... Then I would...
* I wish I had one... because
* I wish I could be like.... This person is special because....
* I wish to be a ________ when I grow up. Then I will....
* I wish there were a law that said..... This would be a good law because....
* I wish I could forget the time I ..... because....
* I wish trees could..... because....
* I wish I could see...... because.....
* I wish I could learn..... because.....
* I wish I didn't have to eat...... I don't like this food because.....
* I wish everyone would learn to ..... Then everyone would.....
* I wish I never......
* I wish I had one more chance to..... Then I would.....
* I wish there was an electric......
* I wish I had enough money to......
* I wish everyone loved......
* I wish all children would......
* I wish everyone had.....
* I wish I could touch......
* I wish animals could...... If they could, then.....
* I wish I looked like.... because......
* I wish there were no more.....
* I wish I didn't have to.....
* I wish I could go to.....
* I wish there really was..... If there really was, then.....
* I wish I could hear......
* I wish I could give......
* If all my wishes came true, I would......
Describe...
* Describe a time when you felt vengeful.
* Describe your favourite toy. Why do you like it best?
* Describe the most ludicrous outfit you can think of.
* Describe the best teacher you ever had.
When...
* When you are angry, how do you look?
* When are you happiest?
* When have you felt lonely?
* When do you feel proud?
* When was the last time you cried and why?
* When a friend was in an embarrassing situation, what did you do?
* When it might hurt their feelings, how do you feel about telling your friends the truth?
* When might it be bad to be honest?
* When someone picks on someone else, how do you feel? What do you do?
* Once, when you were very frightened, what happened?
* Once, when you were embarrassed, what happened?
* Once, when your feelings were hurt, what happened?
Which...
* Which quality best describes your life--exciting, organised, dull--and why?
* Which quality do you dislike most about yourself--laziness, selfishness, childishness--and why?
* Which place would you most like to visit--Africa, China, Alaska--why?
* Which holiday has the most meaning for you-Canada Day, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day--and why?
* Which is least important to you--money, power, fame--and why?
* Which is most important to you--being popular, accomplishing things, being organised--and why?
Who...
* Who do you talk to when you have a problem?
* Who is your favourite Star Wars character (or other movie/book/t.v. show, etc.)?
* Who or what has had a strong influence in your life?
Where...
* Where would you prefer to be right now--mountains, desert, beach--and why?
Why...
* Why is it important to be honest?
* Why is important to have good manners?
* Why do you think adults smoke/drink?
* Why is exercise important to someone your age?
* Why do you think some people encourage others to smoke/drink?
* Why do you think the rules you must follow are good or bad?
* Why would it be good to be honest?
* Why have men and women usually only done certain types of work?
* Why should or shouldn't a man stay home to care for the house and children while his wife goes to work?
* Why do you think some people take advantage of others?
* Why do you think prejudice exists in the world?
* Why would we say that someone is "passing the buck"?
* Why would a Prime Minister have a sign on his desk which read, "The buck stops here"?
* Why do you think tact is an important quality?
* Why is it not wise to squander your money?
* Explain why we say, "dead as a door nail".
Misc...
* Do you think there is too much fighting on t.v. Why or why not?
* Do you think it is necessary to have alcohol at a party in order to have a good time?
* Does it bother you to be around someone who has bad manners?
* Should there be a dress code in places such as school, restaurants, and places of business? Why or why not?
* Should animals be used for medical research?
* Should the Canadian Government financially support Olympic teams?
* Should people be prohibited from smoking in certain places?
* Families are important because...
* Would you like to be famous? Why or why not? What would you like to be famous for?
* What would you say if someone told you it was all right to steal from a large department store?
* What would you do if you saw a friend cheating--report it, confront the friend, nothing--and why?
* If you could have been someone in history, who would you have been?
* If you could only take 3 people with you on a trip around the world, who would you take and why?
* If you could give any gift in the world, what would you give and to whom?
* If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
* If you received any sum of money as a gift, what would you do with it?
* If you could do whatever you wanted to right now, what would you do?
* If you were principal of this school, what would you do?
* If you were a mouse in your house in the evening, what would you see your family doing?
* If you were five years older you would...
* If you were lost in the woods and it got dark, what would you do?
* If it were your job to decide what shows can be on t.v., how would you choose?
* If there were no rules, what do you think would happen?
* If you owned a store, what would you do to discourage people from stealing from you?
* If you could participate in an Olympic event, which one would you choose and why?
* If you could break the Guiness Book of Records it would be for?
* If you had to describe yourself as a colour, which would you choose?
* If your friend told you of a secret plan to run away from home, what would you do and why?