Today: First of all let me get something straight, this is a JOURNALING class, not a DIARY writing class. I told mom that Ms. Rebeka said this was a Journal Writing Club...I'm not sure if I'll like it or not. But, I guess I will give it a try.

Our Class Experience: Well, I tried it. It sounds like this club is for the avid writer, to the resistant writer, and all those in between, whatever that means. We will combine creative writing and academic writing every week. I like the creative part, and my mom would probably like the academic part...
Ms. Rebeka started class asking us all to share how are days were so far, mine was alright I guess. She could tell I wasn't really into writing, so she showed us a few tips on how to get started. She called it, 'Greg's Writing Prompt Outline'. She then explained how if you added things like Amazing Adjectives, or something like that, you could make your journal sound really good - I mean, interesting. 
As a group, we filled out a journal entry in our classroom journal. It looked easy, and a little fun. I liked when we drew a picture just like Greg does in the books.
We then started journaling ourselves. Some of us asked questions and one kid gave me a really good idea and I added that to my journal. 
At the end, Ms. Rebeka asked if anyone wanted to share. One kid's was funny, one was silly, and I shared mine. It was alright, I guess.

*Ms. Rebeka's Notes: I hope the 'example' above shows you that this class is meant to be playful, but purposeful with writing!
We will begin class with everyone sharing a little bit about their days so far. As a group we will then work together to create a class journal entry, focusing on one event, and then finding two details to support it. With these two strategies, they are working on main ideas, and topic sentences. Next, I challenge them to fit in two amazing adjectives creating strong sentences like Greg does. Lastly, we will work on a classroom doodle of our own with a brief tutorial on how Greg draws his simple characters.
Then it's their turn! I will leave our class journal example up, as well as share our 'Greg's Outline to an Amazing Journal Entry' for guidance. Our inspiration will be following the examples in the book, A Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. 
After they have done ALL the hard work of writing, they start on their journal's doodle! When finished, I will ask if anyone would like to read their entries aloud and share their picture. This is the best part!
My goal is for every learner to finish one journal entry during class, practice identifying and writing topic sentences, review grammar, draw a picture, and share a smile - at least once. :)
I can't wait to see what your child comes up with!

*Each class will be a different journal entry, determined by the day's events of your child's choosing, there are no set themes. Learners can enroll and unenroll at any time.