Many children, especially tweens and teens, are reluctant to write. There’s something about staring at a blank page that’s slightly intimidating regardless of your age. The wonderful thing about a journal is that it’s a personal space to share and explore your thoughts, emotions, and more.
Journals are often used in the classroom for a variety of subjects, such as language arts, science, history, and even math. A portion of a class period is sometimes used simply for journal writing. Writing in a journal offers kids a lot of benefits on and off the page, improving writing and study skills while giving kids an outlet for their thoughts, worries, and emotions. It often starts simply enough at the start of the period with journal prompts for kids. This school tool is also something parents can do at home.
Journaling with kids
The main point to keep in mind when journaling with children is that the journal is a judgement-free space. A journal isn’t a graded assignment. So, there isn’t any need to focus on neat handwriting and correct spelling. When kids are bogged down with worrying about making sure words are spelled correctly and their handwriting is legible, they aren’t focusing on their thoughts and ideas.
Most kiddos are ready for their first journal by first or second grade when they’re able to write sentences. Remember, journaling helps develop writing skills. So, while their sentences may be relatively simple in the beginning of the journal, they won’t be at the end. You and your child will be amazed at how their writing improves with each entry.
Journal prompts for kids
A great way to introduce kids to journaling at home is to give them a blank journal along with something fun to write with. A journal doesn’t have to be a fancy notebook, but having one along with a cool colored pen or pencils just makes it more inviting.
A journal is full of blank pages, which brings us back to that reluctance to write. Once kids get past the enticing new journal, they’re looking at those empty pages and thinking about what they should write. This is where journal prompts come in.
Teachers always begin a journal writing session with a prompt. Think of a journal prompt as a writing jump starter. Journal prompts can be a reflection, like a highlight from your weekend, to something a bit more thought provoking, such as where you feel the happiest. A common journal prompt around Thanksgiving involves gratitude and encouraging kids to think about what they’re thankful for. So, if you’re ready to start journaling with your kids, let’s get those pens ready.
Journaling tips
In order to make journaling a habit, set aside a certain time each day. Making journaling a part of the bedtime ritual can be ideal and it also gets kids off the devices before trying to go to sleep. A cozy spot to write, like a comfy chair or some fluffy pillows on the bed work to make journaling more inviting for kids. Don’t forget, your child’s journal is a safe spot. Kids will be more apt to write when they don’t feel as though they’re being critiqued. Journal entries should only be shared if your child wants to.
Journal prompts for your kids
Not every journal prompt needs to be deep or emotional. To keep children interested, change up your journal prompts with different topics. We’ve got a mix of thoughtful and fun journal prompts for kids that will get them thinking and writing.
- Who made you smile today?
- What is something that always makes you laugh?
- What are three things you are good at?
- What are three things you find difficult?
- Who are three people you are grateful for?
- Write about your favorite vacation.
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
- What do you like to do to feel better when you’re sad?
- What are three things you’re afraid of?
- When you’re scared, what makes you feel better?
- What holiday do you look forward to?
- If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
- What superpower would you want and why?
- If today was a yes day, what would you want to do?
- If your pet could talk, what would you two discuss?
- What are five things you are most proud of and why?
- What are three things you’d like to learn how to do?
- What are your favorite foods?
- What are three things you love about your family?
- Describe your dream house?
- Describe a time when you felt really happy?
- What is something you’re looking forward to?
- If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
- What qualities make a good friend?
- Describe your perfect day?
Journaling is a wonderful way to encourage your kids to write. Writing in a daily journal helps kids improve their overall writing and communication skills while boosting mental and physical health. Journal writing provides kids with a creative outlet and makes writing less intimidating. When they can fill a blank page every day, writing becomes a lot less scary for children. Journal prompts for kids is a fun way to get kids thinking and writing. It’s also something you can do as a family. Remember, having that judgement-free space to write isn’t just beneficial for children.
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