English with Mrs. Lamp

While class discussions are a key part of exploring Homegoing, I like to also do individual journals in order to provide a space to ensure every student is engaging with the material, especially those who might be more reserved in group conversations. The journals offer both low-stakes questions and more reflective, thought-provoking prompts, giving students a chance to engage with the novel in a way that feels comfortable and personal to them.

Purpose and Structure of the Journals

• Your journal prompts should be designed to help students process the complex themes of the novel while also encouraging critical thinking. With mine, some questions are lighter and more accessible, while others dive deeper into the weightier topics. Students should also have the option to choose which questions resonate with them, giving them control over their reflection.
• As you introduce the journals, it’s important to remind students that their writing is private—what they choose to share is entirely up to them. I also encourage them to express their thoughts freely, but it’s important to remind them that if they ever write something that suggests they may be in danger or a risk to themselves or others, you are required to report it to a counselor or higher authorities. This is simply a safety protocol to ensure everyone is supported.

Handling Sensitive Topics with Care

• The themes in Homegoing—including slavery, trauma, and identity—are heavy and can trigger strong emotional reactions. It’s important to check in with students regularly to ensure that they feel safe and supported throughout the unit. Make sure they know there are resources available (like counseling services) if they need extra support. These check-ins can also give students a chance to process their emotions in a more private setting.
• The purpose of the journal prompts I use is to guide student reflection constructively, but you may find that some questions bring up uncomfortable feelings. Trust your instincts as a teacher! If you feel that certain prompts might be too triggering for your students, modify or remove them. Your students’ emotional well-being is the priority.
• Students should also know that their journals will not be shared with peers or the class unless they choose to do so. This confidentiality can help them feel more comfortable expressing their personal thoughts.

Encouraging Reflective and Creative Expression

• Including journaling as part of the unit provides students with a valuable outlet to reflect more deeply on the novel. Some students may be more comfortable processing their thoughts through writing than in class discussions, and this journal provides a private space for them to do so. It also gives you, as the teacher, a clearer window into what your students are thinking and how they’re grappling with the material.
• I encourage students to respond to one prompt of their choice after we’ve read and discussed a chapter. I make it a point to read and respond to their journal entries thoughtfully, as this builds a strong, supportive connection with them. If a journal entry or class discussion becomes heated or emotional, consider following up with a class-wide check-in or individual conversations, particularly with students who may be struggling. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor if you feel additional support is needed.

Adapting to Your Classroom and Community

• It’s important to be mindful of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of your students. Depending on your community, some questions might feel too personal or invasive, especially if they ask about family struggles or sensitive topics. Use your best judgment when deciding which prompts to include.
• If you’re unsure, you can consult with colleagues or a school counselor for guidance on whether any questions may be inappropriate for your specific student population.

Grading and Feedback

• Since the journal prompts are open-ended and opinion-based, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. Rather than grading for structure or mechanics, I recommend a low-stakes grading approach that focuses on engagement and effort. A simple completion grade can be enough to acknowledge students’ participation and thoughtful responses.
• If you’d like to provide more detailed feedback, you can use my “Short Answer Rubric” to assess depth of engagement, but I suggest prioritizing personal and affirming comments to encourage student connection with the material. You might also consider asking students to write a certain minimum length (e.g., 500 words) to ensure they engage deeply with the questions.
• The goal is to create a supportive environment where students feel heard and validated as they reflect on the complex themes in Homegoing.

I give my students the following note as the directions for their journals:

Note to Students:
Choose one of the following questions to respond to in your journal. This is a private reflection, so feel free to share as much or as little personal detail as you’re comfortable with. The goal is not to write for anyone else but to focus on your own thoughts and feelings. Think about which aspects of the prompt resonate most with you and reflect on them honestly. Your journal entry is an opportunity to explore your own experiences, ideas, and connections to the themes of Homegoing. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers—this is about your personal perspective.

Reasons to Include Journaling in Your ELA Novel Units:

• You’re giving students time and space to process difficult emotional content in the text and their own complex feelings related to the text’s content through personal reflection.
• You’re helping kids to connect themes from the text to their own experiences, teaching them that literary themes connect to universal human experiences.
• You’ll be encouraging deeper engagement with the chapter’s core ideas by allowing students choice, voice, and time to consider their thoughts and what happened in the chapter in more depth.
• You’ll also be supporting social-emotional learning alongside literary analysis; for example, journal prompts can help students develop empathy and understanding for the characters’ experiences, which can strengthen empathy skills in general!