Objective

By the end of this lesson, River will have written a detailed non-fiction journal entry reflecting on their unique experience aboard the Sea Shepherd ship Allankay. This entry will capture their thoughts, feelings, and observations during the 24-hour period, enhancing their writing skills and ability to convey personal experiences.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook or journal
• Pen or pencil
• Quiet space for writing
• Optional: Access to a computer for typing (if preferred)

Before starting the lesson, River should recall specific moments from their time on the ship, including interactions with the crew, observations of the environment, and any activities they participated in. This will help in creating a vivid and engaging journal entry.

Activities

• Memory Recall Exercise:

  Spend 10-15 minutes jotting down key memories from the 24-hour experience. Think about sights, sounds, smells, and feelings. This exercise will help in organizing thoughts for the journal entry.

• Free Writing:

  Set a timer for 10 minutes and write continuously about the experience without worrying about grammar or structure. This can help unlock creative thoughts and ideas that can be refined later.

• Outline Creation:

  Draft an outline for the journal entry. Organize it into sections such as Introduction, Daily Activities, Reflections, and Conclusion. This will provide a clear structure to follow when writing.

• Peer Review (if applicable):

  Share the journal entry with a family member or friend for feedback. Discuss what they enjoyed and any suggestions for improvement. This can help refine the writing further.

• Final Draft:

  Using the outline and feedback, write the final version of the journal entry. Focus on making it engaging and descriptive to give readers a sense of the experience.

Talking Points

• "What were some of the most memorable moments during your time on the ship?"
• "How did being on the Sea Shepherd ship make you feel about marine conservation?"
• "Can you describe the atmosphere aboard the ship? Was it calm, busy, or something else?"
• "What did you learn about the crew and their mission while you were there?"
• "How did the experience change your perspective on environmental issues?"
• "What challenges did you face during the 24 hours, and how did you overcome them?"
• "Were there any surprising experiences or interactions that stood out to you?"
• "How did the sights and sounds of the ocean impact your experience?"
• "What is one thing you would tell someone who is considering volunteering on a ship like the Sea Shepherd?"
• "How can you incorporate vivid descriptions to make your journal entry more engaging?"
• "Why is it important to document personal experiences like this?"
• "What message do you hope readers take away from your journal entry?"
• "How can your experience aboard the ship inspire others to care about marine life?"
• "What skills did you develop during this experience that could help you in the future?"
• "How does reflecting on experiences like this help you grow as a person?"
• "What would you do differently if you had another chance to spend time on the ship?"