Objective

By the end of this lesson, River will be able to write a detailed non-fiction journal entry about their 24 hours aboard the Sea Shepherd ship Allankay in Brisbane, capturing their experiences, observations, and emotions throughout the day.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook or journal for writing
• Pen or pencil
• Quiet space for reflection and writing
• Basic knowledge of the Sea Shepherd organization and its mission

Activities

• Reflection Time: Spend 10-15 minutes thinking about what a day on the Sea Shepherd ship might be like. Consider the sights, sounds, and feelings you would experience. Write down your thoughts as bullet points.

• Brainstorming Session: Create a mind map of key events that could happen during your day on the ship. Include interactions with crew members, activities on board, and any challenges faced while at sea.

• Writing the Journal Entry: Using your reflections and brainstorming notes, start drafting your journal entry. Focus on descriptive language to bring your experiences to life. Aim for at least 500 words.

• Peer Review (Optional): If possible, share your journal entry with a family member or friend for feedback. Ask them what parts they enjoyed and if anything was unclear.

Talking Points

• "Think about the atmosphere on the Sea Shepherd ship. What do you think it feels like to be part of a crew dedicated to ocean conservation?"
• "Consider the daily activities on the ship. What kinds of tasks do you think crew members must perform?"
• "Imagine the sounds around you. What do you hear while at sea? How do those sounds contribute to your experience?"
• "Reflect on the emotions you might feel during your time aboard. Excitement? Nervousness? Pride? How can you convey those feelings in your writing?"
• "What challenges do you think you might face while living on a ship? How could you overcome them?"
• "Think about the people you might meet. How would you describe them? What stories might they have to share?"
• "How does being on a ship help you connect with the ocean? What do you hope to learn from this experience?"
• "Consider the mission of the Sea Shepherd organization. How does this mission influence your perspective on marine conservation?"
• "What are some unique features of the Allankay ship that you think would stand out during your experience?"
• "As you write, remember to show, not just tell. Use vivid descriptions to make your readers feel like they are with you on the ship."
• "How can you incorporate dialogue into your journal entry? What might you say to fellow crew members?"
• "Think about the food you might eat on the ship. How does it differ from what you eat at home?"
• "What lessons do you think you could learn from spending a day aboard the Allankay?"
• "As you conclude your journal entry, reflect on how this experience might change your view on the ocean and conservation."
• "Finally, remember that your journal entry is a personal account. Make it unique to your voice and experiences."