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Junior Journals

Grade:

K-2, 3-5

Uses:

Creative Expression and Communication
/  Review of Content or Skill
Self-Assessment and Reflection

Materials:

Junior Journal handout, display, writing utensils
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Description

Students journal for 10 minutes.

Preparation

Select a journal prompt, and prepare booklets with 5–10 pages of the Junior Journal handout, or plan to use student composition books for this activity.
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Implementation

Display the day’s prompt, and invite students to write and draw in their Junior Journal for 5–10 minutes, using classroom resources for support. When time is up, have students put their pencils down—reminding them that stopping mid-story is perfectly okay. Then have students pair-share one detail from their work that they are particularly proud of.

Teaching Tips

  • Prior to independent journaling, model expectations by reading aloud examples of journal entries and having students identify key features of the entries, such as dates, clear handwriting, labeled drawings, and inclusion of thoughts and feelings.
  • Consider using images from Britannica School or Britannica Library or ImageQuest for prompts.
  • Display a collection of students’ favorite journal entries in the classroom. Seeing their work celebrated builds students’ confidence and provides inspiration for future writing.

Supporting All Learners

For students needing support: Provide picture prompts and sentence starters alongside to help them begin their writing and drawing.

For advanced learners: Encourage students to add descriptive words and details to their journal entries or to write an additional sentence about their drawing.

For multilingual learners: Allow students to write or label their drawings in their home languages, and provide visual vocabulary cards with pictures and words in both languages.

Note: Provide accommodations and modifications based on your learners’ needs to ensure full participation.

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