"I am gting tiyerd fo write they storey MR. Benesh" : an investigation of the school journal contents of grade one and grade two children
Date
1989
Authors
Benesh, Edward William
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Abstract
This study was undertaken to construct and refine an informal writing analysis to classify and tabulate spontaneous journal writing content. A total of 158 journals written over a two year period by a sample of 44 Grade One and Grade Two students were selected from two elementary schools in a large British Columbia School District. Content and transcription variations attributable to sex differences, widely separated birthdates, grade placement, reading proficiency and writing ability were investigated. Unedited journal excerpts and full-length entry samples were reprinted to document content variety and writing sophistication . Findings also were compared to similar journal content analyses in the literature. This study suggests that young children, while writing on a wide variety of topics, have strong content preferences. Significant differences in variations attributable to sex, grade, age, reading proficiency and writing ability were documented. Developmental patterns of content shift were noted. "Novelty" entries, apparently resulting from a lack of story ideas and/or boredom with the writing routine are described. On basis of document analysis a number of modifications to classroom practices are recommended, particularly those with respect to the role of a supportive audience and peer collaboration in sustaining journal activity.