DibosReport3

Review of Writing Down the Days by Lorraine Dahlstrom

This book is subtitled, "365 Creative Journaling Ideas for Young People", and that is just what it is. This is not the complete book, however. This would be a great adjunct to a calendar study that would include more pertinent dates from social studies or current events in the arts, literature, and the sciences. This is a great adjunct to a book or calendar of journal topics that are seasonal and grow in complexity through the year and as the students become more proficient in their writing. This could easily be used in the elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and adapted as such.

This is a useful guide to journaling, especially if this was the only source of material available to the teacher. There is a wonderful introduction to the teacher, the parents, and to the students justifying the use of journaling. For me, this is like preaching to the choir, although I feel we could all do better in whatever curriculum we use. In the teacher's introduction, useful information is given about the logistics of students writing day-by-day, and according to the occasion. For instance, the teacher is advised to read ahead of the days, and one is encouraged to teach from the calendar as well as use that particular date's entry. One of my favorite days is Shakespeare's supposed birthday, commonly celebrated on April 23. A pinprick sketch is written as to who he is and what he has done. This of course should be supplemented by the teacher's own information and whatever else can be brought to this momentous day. Perhaps the recognition of a particular day could lead to many other ideas for curriculum. After the small sketch, there is one journal suggestion, and in this case, it is "Which would you rather do: write a play, watch a play, or act in a play? Give reasons for your answer." This certainly gives scant reference to the bard, but makes him the least intimidating if this is the first acquaintance with him. In the introduction, it is also suggested that the students write at least one paragraph per entry, and that this could be used as a warm-up activity. Their paragraph should be at least three or four sentences, but there is no limit on length. I found it useful that there were so many tips for journal keeping with students, rather than just the days being listed. Another example which I use is May 1?which historically, has been one of the most political days of the year. Of course, the author mentions it being International Labor Day, but more could have been added. The journal entry seems a bit disparate, though:" What kind of job do you think you'd like to have when you finish school? Give reasons for your choice." I feel that more could have been added about what the particular month was, and particular weeks of the year as well.

One of the limitations of this book, then, is its "teaser" quality?how much it actually leaves out. Since this was written pre-Internet, this may explain its pithiness. There are now many free sites on the Web that list EVERY significant event in history for every day?all the feasts and festivals too. Perhaps there is also a journaling adjunct to it as well, I don't know. However, until that is found, I would like to have this resource on my permanent shelf and use it to supplement classroom journal topics, as the calendar dictates.