The guide, intended as working materials for a teacher workshop, introduces second language teachers to principles and practices of student dialogue journal writing. It begins by outlining nine principles to follow concerning second language writing at all instructional levels. It then offers two sample journal entries with spaces for teachers to practice responding, and suggests guidelines and considerations for teacher response. Six useful in-class writing activities are described: whole-class compositions; a timed writing exercise; note-taking; penpals; journal partners; and preparing questionnaires. Suggestions are given for modifying other class activities to include a writing component. Subsequent sections present general considerations for designing and implementing writing activities, an essay evaluation activity for teachers, principles for testing writing skills, notes on making the distinction between simple writing and composition, grading criteria for compositions in a beginning language courses and a college-level composition course, and recommendations for planning individual student conferences. A brief annotated list of references is included. All examples of student writing and college-level evaluation criteria are in Spanish. (MSE)