Hernandez How-tos

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Instructional Materials & How-Tos

How to Get Started with Digital Journals Using Google Docs

Note: This will work best if your school has 1:1 devices for students.

The first step is to create a classroom folder and name it "Classroom Journals."
Next, share folder with your students.
Then, have students create a new google doc, and label it Reading Diary. Make sure their name is included in the title. Ex: "Mary's Reading Diary"
After students have created their document, have them place it in the classroom folder.
Once kids have read, give them about five minutes to reflect and write down a response to their reading. Here is a page with some writing prompts if students need some guidance on what to write.
Finally, students choose a classmate to respond to. They go to the folder and find a classmate's journal and they read and make comments or ask questions in regards to their classmates's reading. It is helpful if students who are responding type in a different color text so that the teacher can see the difference between the entries and the responses. Also, have students initial their comments so that teachers can keep track of who's commenting. Remind students that they must pick a different person to comment on everyday.
See example below.

Click on image to go to website.

Here are other resources for projects that can be done after reading.

Storyboard That: Students can create narratives or recreate scenes from the books they read.

Click on image for a video tutorial on how to create a PowToon presentation.

PowToon: Students can create animated videos on stories they have read.

Kahoot: A tool to create quizzes in a game format. It keeps students engaged in their reading.

Click on image below for a lesson you can share with your students on how to play the game.

Prezi: Students can create presentations or book reports.

Click on image to go to website.

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