After discovering the new Journal App on iPhone I wanted to find a way to integrate it into my Early Learners ESL Classroom. Journaling provides students with a private space to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Over time, consistent journaling enhances students' ability to articulate their ideas clearly and effectively, both in writing and in verbal communication. It encourages students to think critically about their experiences and observations and can be therapeutic.
I created a "Talking Reflection Journal" for my First Grade ELL students to practice SEL and Speaking Skills. In this Journal students listen to my audio prompting question (inspired by the questions found in the iPhone Journal App) then create a selfie video to "Journal" about their answer.
For my Kindergarten ELL students I created a "My Talking Picture Journal" where students see a picture and talk about it in an audio recording to practice speaking skills. Students are also encouraged to say as much as they can for certain amount of time, even if it is in their native language. Practicing the speaking domain with my early learner ELLs is crucial for their overall language development, confidence building, cultural integration, and acquisition of real-life communication skills.
I have included some pictures of our Journaling time as well as the two book templates. Teachers may download these templates and insert their own audio recordings or pictures to personalize and support their students' needs.
March 16, 2024
The talking journal idea is super Katie. Such a good resource for ELL and all learners! Thanks!
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