How Freewriting and Reflective Journaling Affect Students’ Grammar Skills

According to Ayers and Boden, the most effective way to engage students in writing is for teachers themselves to show the positive effect that journaling has had on their own lives. In a society flurried with anxiety and stress for young people, it’s vital to model reflective, meditative practices to students such as journaling and freewriting. According to Spiker, other than the positive mental impacts, one of the many trickle down benefits that journaling has is improved grammar skills. In my research, conducted in a 10th grade English classroom, I investigated how mini grammar lessons, paired with subsequent space for students to journal and freewrite, improved students’ ability to write in a grammatically correct manner. In my study, I gave students complete freedom to write about topics they were interested in, typically resulting in journaling about experiences in their own lives. By introducing different variables into mini grammar lessons and journaling time, I uncovered what was truly important for getting students to write and ultimately communicate more effectively. In my study, I urged students to attempt to understand the importance of effective communication, with many students declaring their improved attitudes towards writing as the semester progressed. While not an initial goal of my study, the joy for writing I was able to witness grow within students was certainly the most rewarding aspect of my research.