Similar to Senn's Thumbs Up Journal is the Success Journal, in which students record their successes. These needn't be academic, and they needn't be large. Anything that produces even a small feeling of triumph is noteworthy. Many students in the upper elementary grades have had the experience of keeping a log for a science project. In the log they record their thoughts, questions, procedures, and observations.
Any subject can have a journal similar to a science log.
Such writing aids their understanding and retention. They see reading ability as the ticket to a good college and a successful life. The first problem, however, may be getting children to read at all. Fran has published a list of things parents can do to help children improve reading skills. Many of these involve making reading more enjoyable.