tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684639278116003661.post-52142405363942910172008-05-06T14:04:00.005-04:002008-05-06T14:53:11.967-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_sPiRkVGOQL4/SCCk1MVgLhI/AAAAAAAAAcA/8RGhzSbaVqM/s1600-h/Computerboy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_sPiRkVGOQL4/SCCk1MVgLhI/AAAAAAAAAcA/8RGhzSbaVqM/s200/Computerboy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197335203736989202" border="0" /></a>One journal, one topic, one file, but two writers make a Two Person Journal. Students were partnered with a peer from another class. A folder with a file was created on the Laurelville server. The page was divided down the middle using a two column table. For the rest of the school year, students will write each day about a different topic.<br /><br />This system has an advantage over a regular journal in that the writer has an audience. Everything written will be read daily. Also, with a peer to share ideas, comments, opinions, and information, it means more. Whether students write about books, school, friends, hobbies, family, or any other topic, they know a reader cares about what they have to say.<br /><br />I originally did this project with composition notebooks that students shared. Now, with the technology available in Reading Workshop, students keep a common <a href="http://www.openoffice.org/">Open Office</a> Word file saved on our file server. They can each write to the file from anywhere in the school. Because there is a computer for each student, they can access their file during class each day, read their partner's post, and respond.<br /><br />This is a great motivator for students. After all, what does every writer want? To be read, of course.Mr. McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02922744477241266679noreply@blogger.com