Sample 1: Dialogue Journal Entry Written by a Teacher

September 18, 1996

Dear Monique:

Good morning. I hope you had a great weekend. This week, I would like to start writing in dialogue journals. You and I will write letters back and forth in this journal. I hope this will be a fun way to practice reading and writing. I also think it will help us get to know each other better.

I really enjoy writing letters to my family and friends who live far away. I also like to read children's books, newspapers, and books about teaching. Do you write letters, notes, or cards to anyone? What types of things do you like to read?

I met your daughter Arie yesterday, and she seems like a very happy little girl. What things would you like me to know about you, Arie, and your other children?

I am pretty new at being a family literacy teacher. This is just my second year. I hope that everyone in our class will learn to like reading and writing more. What are your goals for this class? Do you have any ideas for how I can help you reach these goals?

Please write back to me soon. I am looking forward to reading your letter.

Sincerely,

Judy

Note: Depending on literacy levels, the teacher may need to read parts of his/her letters with some learners. The teacher may want to simplify or expand his/her entries depending on the literacy levels of learners.

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