1. Dialectical Journals: What are they and how do I write my own?

2. What is a dialectical journal? A dialectical journal is a record of your dialogue (conversation) with the book you are reading. It is also called a double entry or reader response journal. In this journal, you will write down your thoughts, questions, comments, predictions, and ideas while you read. The process helps you develop critical reading skills and encourage you to expand your reflective writing. A dialectical journal is a record of your dialogue (conversation) with the book you are reading. It is also called a double entry or reader response journal. In this journal, you will write down your thoughts, questions, comments, predictions, and ideas while you read. The process helps you develop critical reading skills and encourage you to expand your reflective writing.

3. Purpose of the Journals Analyze the text for use of literary devices (tone, structure, style, imagery) Analyze the text for use of literary devices (tone, structure, style, imagery) Make connections between different characters or events in the text Make connections between different characters or events in the text Make connections to a different text (or film, song, etc…) Make connections to a different text (or film, song, etc…) Discuss the words, ideas, or actions of the author or character(s) Discuss the words, ideas, or actions of the author or character(s) Consider an event or description from the perspective of a different character Consider an event or description from the perspective of a different character Analyze a passage and its relationship to the story as a whole Analyze a passage and its relationship to the story as a whole

4. Format… On the top of the first page (title page), record the following information: On the top of the first page (title page), record the following information: 1) Title of the novel 2) Author name 3) Your name 4) Due date 5) Class Period 6) Teacher Name

5. Of Mice and Men Requirements You must include: A minimum of 5 journal entries per chapter for a total of 30 journal entries of a half page each (15-16 pages total).

6. Of Mice and Men Requirements The entries must: The entries must: 1. NOT be diary or personal journal entries, as they are academic and may be read to the class. 2. Contain literary terminology used correctly and underlined. Each literary term cannot be used more than 3 times. Each literary term cannot be used more than 3 times.

7. Of Mice and Men Requirements YOU MUST USE AND UNDERLINE LITERARY TERMINOLOGY IN YOUR ENTRIES! Examples: Alliteration, allusion, antagonist, characterization (flat / round, static / dynamic), climax, conflicts, foreshadowing, hyperbole, imagery, irony, metaphor, mood, personification, plot (5 parts to this…), point of view, protagonist, setting, simile, symbol, theme, tone…)

8. Dialectical Entries Quote: “And I wish my name was Cassandra or Alexis or Maritza – anything but Esperanza…” (pg. 17) Reflection on quote: I think every girl wishes she could change her name at some point in time. I tired of my own name growing up because there were 3 other girls with the same name in the class. Esperanza, meaning hope, is a beautiful name and I wonder how anyone would want to change it. I don’t think this is about names, but about one’s identity and being comfortable with it. Esperanza wants to change her name so it will sound Western, modern like the other girls. It is sad when trying to fit in keeps us from feeling pride about ourselves.

9. Some Dialectical Journal Sentence Starters Sample Sentence Starters: “I really don’t understand this because…” “I really don’t understand this because…” “I really dislike/like this idea because…” “I really dislike/like this idea because…” “I think the author is trying to say that…” “I think the author is trying to say that…” “This passage reminds me of a time in my life when…” “This passage reminds me of a time in my life when…” “If I were (name of character) at this point I would…” “If I were (name of character) at this point I would…” “This part doesn’t make sense because…” “This part doesn’t make sense because…” “This character reminds me of (name of person) because…” “This character reminds me of (name of person) because…”

10. Some Dialectical Journal Sentence Starters Sample Sentence Starters: “The imagery reveals...” “The setting gives the effect of...” “The author seems to feel...” “The tone of this part is...” “The character(s) feel(s)...” “This is ironic because...” “The detail is effective/out of place/important because...” “An interesting word/phrase/sentence/thought is...” “This reminds me of...” “Something I notice/appreciate/don’t appreciate/wonder about is...”

11. Grading: For a high score, the following must be present…  Features detailed, meaningful passages & quote selections  Coverage of text is complete & thorough  Journal is neat, organized, & professional looking; student has followed directions for organization of the journal.

12. Grading: For a high score, the following must be present…  Uses thoughtful interpretation & commentary; avoids clichés  Makes insightful personal connections  Asks thought-provoking & insightful questions

13. Grading: For a high score, the following must be present…  A strong interest in the material as evidenced through an awareness of levels of meaning  Judgments are textually & experientially based  Predictions are thoughtful & keenly observed

14. Grading: For a high score, the following must be present…  Character analysis is consistent with the material presented  Show an understanding of character motivation  Comparisons & connections are found between text & other literary & artistic work

15. Grading: For a high score, the following must be present…  Recognizes the author’s writing choices & reasons for those choices  Awareness that their own personal beliefs may differ from those expressed in the text  Demonstrates an awareness of point of view

16. Journal Due Date The journal is due at the conclusion of the reading of the novel (see reading schedule). The journal is due at the conclusion of the reading of the novel (see reading schedule). Please follow the guidelines provided to ensure the highest possible grade on your work. Please follow the guidelines provided to ensure the highest possible grade on your work.

17. Show me that you read, have thought about, and understand the novel…