In his book, Fulwiler explores the relationship between writing and thinking, learning, knowing, caring, and all of education. Fulwiler feels it is so critical because composing makes thinking and learning possible. People think by processing and process by talking to themselves and others. People symbolize reality in order to handle it.
Writing can crystallize their experiences.
Fulwiler offers many suggestions for using journal writing often and regularly. As a springboard for formal writing, a topic related to the days lesson or perhaps a quote from a reading assignment. Students tend to identify with the topic after this exercise. The pieces are read aloud to stimulate thinking. Though this is sometimes difficult for students, the response from the class is reinforcing.