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101 reasons {and ways} for homeschool kids to keep a journal

by | Jun 20, 2016 | Teaching Homeschool Writing

101 reasons {and ways} for homeschool kids to keep a journal

It’s probably not surprising that we at WriteShop love journaling! What’s not to love about a way kids can practice writing in a no-stress situation that requires almost no advance preparation or special materials? We came up with 51 reasons to journal and 50 ways to journal for a total of 101!

Whether you are just beginning to experiment with journaling or you simply need a fresh idea to revitalize your existing journaling habit, there’s something for everyone in this list.

Sample journals available at Amazon are linked here with affiliate links. Not all of the journals will be appropriate for your children. It will depend on the age of your child and your family values. Our links are a starting point but not an explicit endorsement.

Reasons Homeschoolers Should Keep a Journal

  1. There is no right or wrong way to journal.
  2. Keeping a journal can foster gratitude as you list things you are thankful for.
  3. A journal can last years.
  4. A shared journal can be a safe place to work on a relationship.
  5. Writing in a journal can be a way to talk to God, pray, or meditate.
  6. Journals provide a way to look back, remember, and see how far you’ve come.
  7. A journal can be a tool for self-discovery.
  8. Journals are a record of your life.
  9. Journaling for pleasure (instead of for an assignment) can be freeing.
  10. Journaling is a way to practice an important life skill — writing.
  11. A journal can be serious.
  12. Journaling boosts confidence and creativity.
  13. A journal can become a work of art.
  14. Journaling requires no preparation.
  15. In a journal, you can write as much or as little as you like.
  16. Grammar and spelling don’t count in your child’s journal.
  17. Journaling is a judgment-free writing zone.
  18. Journaling is a safe place for children to express themselves.
  19. It’s a way to record everyday experiences.
  20. Writing in a journal can help kids process and handle emotions.
  21. Journaling can help kids write about and remember events.
  22. Journaling is useful for penmanship practice.
  23. In a journal, kids can play with ideas that can later be used for full compositions.
  24. It is a way to establish a daily habit of writing.
  25. It is inexpensive.
  26. Journaling promotes mindfulness.
  27. Journaling is good for your health.
  28. Journal writing can happen on paper, a tablet, or a computer.
  29. Journaling is relaxing.
  30. A journal is a tool for expressing creativity through both art and words.
  31. A journal requires no electricity or batteries—just grab a pencil and paper and off you go!
  32. Journaling is informal.
  33. It can become a hobby.
  34. You can weave journal writing into different areas of learning, such as science, history, and even math.
  35. Journaling requires almost no methodology instruction.
  36. Moms can journal alongside kids.
  37. Journaling gives kids experience with different forms and purposes of writing.
  38. A journal is a practical way to recycle and repurpose old paper and cardboard.
  39. A journal is portable so you can take it on the go.
  40. If you forget your journal, all you need is some paper as a substitute.
  41. Many famous people have kept journals, including Benjamin Franklin, Anne Frank, Winston Churchill, and Ronald Reagan.
  42. A journal can be personalized.
  43. Journals can be silly and fun.
  44. In a journal, you can write things you don’t have the nerve to say out loud.
  45. A journal is a legacy for future generations.
  46. Journals promote parent-child conversation.
  47. A journal is a way to reflect on childhood memories.
  48. A journal can be a personal diary.
  49. Journaling can be an effective brainstorming tool for a writing assignment.
  50. You can write in a journal anywhere, anytime.
  51. Even pre-writers can keep a journal.

Ways Homeschoolers Can Keep a Journal

  1. Share a journal with someone else and take turns writing back and forth.
  2. Add photos, stamps, stickers, maps, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia to a journal.
  3. Express yourself in color by using markers, gel pens, and other creative writing supplies.
  4. Journal around a specific theme, such as vacations, friends, or holidays.
  5. Freewrite in a journal without any theme at all.
  6. Use famous passages from literature as models for journaling.
  7. Let a great quotation inspire journal writing.
  8. Keep a collection of inspirational quotes in a journal.
  9. Pick a favorite, comfortable place to write in your journal.
  10. Or, mix up your writing spot! Try the backyard, front porch, kitchen table, your bed, or the park!
  11. Record favorite poems, scripture verses, or passages of literature in a journal.
  12. Journaling can be inspired by a simple question.
  13. Color in your journal.
  14. Use a journal as a place to reflect on movies or television programs you have seen.
  15. Use a journal as a place to plan and dream.
  16. Write about robots.
  17. Write about dogs, cats, horses, or bugs.
  18. Cherish a favorite book by turning it into a journal.
  19. Fill journal pages with numbered lists, such as 10 favorite animals, 22 places I would like to visit, or 14 foods I dislike.
  20. Let a breathtaking image inspire creative or descriptive journaling.
  21. A humorous image can prompt reluctant children write down some thoughts.
  22. Journal as a character from history.
  23. Art journaling lets kids express themselves with mixed media and words.
  24. Write both long and short journal entries.
  25. Record travel and vacation memories in a journal.
  26. Write about wishes and dreams.
  27. Use your journal to record science experiment hypotheses and results.
  28. A journal can hold keepsakes, mementos, and notes.
  29. Let a book or poem inspire your journaling.
  30. Keep a reading journal to record books you’ve finished.
  31. It’s okay to be messy in a journal. You can even rip the page right out of the book!
  32. With a parents’ permission and guidance, start a blog to journal online about ideas, experiences, and adventures.
  33. Use your journal to respond to different kinds of writing prompts.
  34. Keep a nature journal to record observations and sketches of outdoor explorations.
  35. Glue photos in a journal and write as much as you want about each one.
  36. Use your journal to write poetry.
  37. Write a favorite or interesting word over and over in different sizes and colors. Turn the journal around to write sideways or upside-down!
  38. Don’t be afraid of the blank page.
  39. Draw a picture in your journal and write about it.
  40. Use washi tape to decorate the edges of journal pages to divide up your ideas.
  41. Try out different kinds of journals till you find the one you like best.
  42. Have you heard of Bible journaling? You can try Bible journaling for kids!
  43. Summarize your day in bullet points or a short paragraph.
  44. Writing short “Dear Journal” letters can make it easier to record your thoughts.
  45. Make smash books, a type of journal.
  46. Plan your day, week, and month with a bullet journal.
  47. Choose a word you like, and create an acrostic with it.
  48. Create bucket lists for summer vacation, winter break, birthdays, etc.
  49. Write a “Currently List.”
  50. Keep journal prompts on cards or strips of paper. Then draw one randomly each time you want to journal.

101 Reasons

This post is part of iHomeschool Network’s 101 Reasons link-up.