Journals - Inspiring Children to Write

I love the idea of keeping a journal to inspire children to write. Two blogs I follow, Buggy and Buddy and Navigating by Joy, had journal posts at the end of last year. Their Art Journal and Poetry Journal ideas were very intriguing.

After handing my girls a stack of photos and small blank scrapbooking albums, both of them were inspired to create their own memory books. Using stickers and stencils they decorated the pages. They stuck the photos in place with acid-free double sided tape and sometimes wrote the names of people in the photos or location the photos were taking. They really enjoyed this activity, and I think it was great for the fine motor and creative skills.

My son keeps a diary. I've never seen the inside, but he says he writes about the day. Most entries include something about the weather and his daily percent fun rating. Personally, I think he is inspired to write in his diary because he never has to make any corrections and it is something he's allowed to do in his bed after bedtime. Regardless of his motives and what he writes, I think his diary is great because he is practicing his writing skills.

Do your kids keep a journal? How does it work?

Here are some ways other homeschooling families practice journaling.

To Journal or not to Journal - Barefoot Hippie Girl
Journals in Homeschool - Every Bed of Roses
Road Trip Journaling - One Magnificent Obsession
My Other Brain - Hammock Tracks
Art Journals - Navigating by Joy