The main point is to explain what you think about the things you are studying in this class. In your journal: •Write about the significant points, meaning, and relevance of individual readings, both books and articles •Compare and contrast different approaches, methods, findings; follow recurrent themes and analyses •Write down questions you have about the course material •Make connections between the course, and your own life, background, and family; reflect on the relevance of the course to your own experience; use your own experience, where appropriate, to critique course materials •Address the ways that the course material challenges or confirms your previous understandings of childhood issues •How is your thinking changing as a result of studying the material? What are you learning that is interesting or valuable to you? Why is it so? •Do you feel you want to disagree with ideas in the class or the readings? Try to explain your reasons. •Compare and contrast the themes, findings, and issues of this course with other study you have done on children and families
