Lesson Plan Overview
In this activity, students will explore a person’s point of view from the first person, either historical or recent, by constructing a creative journal entry consistent with that person’s experience and voice.
Students will be given a prompt as a jumping off point, describing how they stumbled upon the book in their attic.
Possible journals could include:
- A diary written by a student’s family member when they were a child (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.)
- A journal written by a fantasy character detailing a perilous voyage
- A scrapbook-style journal or photo album detailing family events
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
It’s the holidays at your house, which means your mom tells you she needs you to grab the decorations from the attic. After all, you’re the only one who can easily slide through the small little door in the ceiling. And you actually enjoy climbing ladders.
So you climb up and dig around the attic, turning over old lampshades and dusty boxes in search of the decorations. Then–aha! A shiny bin in the back catches your eye! It’s a little far out of reach, and you stretch your hand a little further, balancing on your tiptoes, almost there…
Then, CRASH! Books and sheet music, mildewy coats and bedsheets all come falling down, along with…a journal? Whose could it be? And how old is it?
You pick it up and dust off the cover…
Due Date:
Objective: Create a journal entry that expresses another person’s POV, either historical or recent.
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Design the front and back covers of your journal.
- Write a journal entry from your chosen POV.
- Add photos, graphics, or designs to the inside pages relating to the content of the journal entry.
- Click “Save and Exit” when you're done.
Requirements: Must design a front and back for the journal, include a dated journal entry, and contain appropriate illustrations or photos that demonstrate your understanding of this person’s POV.
Lesson Plan Reference
Lesson Plan Overview
In this activity, students will explore a person’s point of view from the first person, either historical or recent, by constructing a creative journal entry consistent with that person’s experience and voice.
Students will be given a prompt as a jumping off point, describing how they stumbled upon the book in their attic.
Possible journals could include:
- A diary written by a student’s family member when they were a child (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.)
- A journal written by a fantasy character detailing a perilous voyage
- A scrapbook-style journal or photo album detailing family events
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
It’s the holidays at your house, which means your mom tells you she needs you to grab the decorations from the attic. After all, you’re the only one who can easily slide through the small little door in the ceiling. And you actually enjoy climbing ladders.
So you climb up and dig around the attic, turning over old lampshades and dusty boxes in search of the decorations. Then–aha! A shiny bin in the back catches your eye! It’s a little far out of reach, and you stretch your hand a little further, balancing on your tiptoes, almost there…
Then, CRASH! Books and sheet music, mildewy coats and bedsheets all come falling down, along with…a journal? Whose could it be? And how old is it?
You pick it up and dust off the cover…
Due Date:
Objective: Create a journal entry that expresses another person’s POV, either historical or recent.
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Design the front and back covers of your journal.
- Write a journal entry from your chosen POV.
- Add photos, graphics, or designs to the inside pages relating to the content of the journal entry.
- Click “Save and Exit” when you're done.
Requirements: Must design a front and back for the journal, include a dated journal entry, and contain appropriate illustrations or photos that demonstrate your understanding of this person’s POV.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Journal in the Attic
Incorporate primary source materials to inspire authentic journal entries
Gather letters, photos, or artifacts related to your chosen character’s era or background. Showing students real-life examples deepens understanding and adds realism to their journal writing.
Model a journal entry together as a class
Write a sample journal entry on the board, thinking aloud about word choices and emotions. This helps students see how to capture a unique voice and perspective.
Facilitate peer feedback sessions for journal drafts
Pair students to exchange entries and offer suggestions on voice, detail, and clarity. Peer feedback encourages reflection and improvement in a supportive environment.
Use graphic organizers to structure ideas before writing
Provide organizers that help students plan the journal’s setting, character feelings, and timeline. Prewriting tools ensure students stay focused and organized.
Encourage creative embellishments to bring journals to life
Invite students to add sketches, faux artifacts, or digital graphics. Creative touches make each journal unique and showcase understanding of the point of view.
Frequently Asked Questions about Journal in the Attic
What is the 'Journal in the Attic' activity for students?
Journal in the Attic is a creative writing activity where students write a journal entry from another person's point of view—either historical or fictional—after discovering an old journal in their attic. This helps students practice empathy, perspective-taking, and narrative writing skills.
How can teachers use the 'Journal in the Attic' lesson in their classroom?
Teachers can assign the Journal in the Attic lesson as an individual or partner project. Students create journal covers, write an entry from a chosen POV, and add relevant images or designs. This activity encourages creativity and deepens understanding of character perspective.
What are some example prompts for the 'Journal in the Attic' writing activity?
Example prompts include: a diary from a student’s grandparent as a child, a fantasy character’s travel journal, or a scrapbook detailing family events. Prompts can be tailored to fit historical figures, fictional characters, or personal family stories.
Why is writing from another person's point of view important for students?
Writing from another person’s point of view helps students build empathy, improve critical thinking, and strengthen narrative skills. It encourages them to consider different perspectives and experiences, which enriches their understanding of history and literature.
What elements must be included in a 'Journal in the Attic' student submission?
Each submission should include designed front and back covers, a dated journal entry from a chosen perspective, and illustrations or photos that connect to the journal’s content. This ensures students engage creatively and demonstrate understanding of POV.
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