Use of Conventions in Second Grade Students’ Journals

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between consistent journal writing in a natural environment and students' use of conventions. The subjects of this study included five, second-grade students from a rural elementary school. They were chosen randomly from a class of fifteen. Approximately three times a week students were asked to write their thoughts, feelings and experiences in a journal. Spelling, punctuation and grammar was done to the best of their ability. The teacher collected the journals weekly and responded based upon students' content and effort. No corrections were made on students' use of conventions rather they were assessed weekly according to the district wide rubric for thirteen weeks. The results of the study provided evidence of a trend in improvement in students' use of conventions over time. Skill taught during formal writing time may have carried over to journal writing time.