The Country School is an independent, coeducational, Pre-K through 8 school founded in 1934.
Right Start Blog
Journaling
I’ve kept a journal, on and off, since I was ten years old. As a child, my family and I moved every two or three years. As a result, by the time I graduated from high school, I had attended eight different schools. I began journaling after a particularly hard move, as a way to express my feelings and to share my deepest emotions. It was a wonderful way for me to reflect and to engage in a bit of self-exploration. My journal was a wonderful outlet. It helped me make decisions and taught me how to organize my emotions. I still journal today to clear my head and make a record of the milestones in my life. I find it very therapeutic.
Recently, I’ve heard a lot of buzz around the idea of children journaling. The more I read about journaling, the more important I think it is to encourage our children to begin journaling at a young age. Kids can start as early as Kindergarten by journaling through pictures, and adults can label the pictures for them until they are able to write for themselves. Journaling is great for all ages. Some benefits of journaling for kids include:
- Building memories - By writing and drawing in their journals, children are deciding what events they want to remember from their day. They will have these memories to look back on.
- Developing writing and storytelling - A journal entry is a piece of personal history. By creating these little histories, children develop writing and storytelling skills that will help them in school as well as throughout their lives.
- Processing events - Children experience new things every single day. Journaling gives them a quiet space to go over these events so they can learn by reflecting on their day.
- Creative outlet - Some journal entries are serious, but a lot of entries are silly, often including drawings. This helps children develop their sense of humor and these entries are a lot of fun to look back on!
- Inexpensive - All it requires is paper and a writing implement.
- Keepsake - Journals are a tangible link to the past.
So with summer just around the corner, go out and buy your children a fun book to put down their thoughts, ideas, feelings, jokes, games, or whatever moves them. While you’re at it, get one for yourself.
Recent Posts
List of 5 news stories.
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What Do We Mean When We Say 'Executive Function' Skills?
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Stress Management for Families
Country School Counselors Linda Schuerholz and Anne McCauley offer some helpful resources for managing stress as a family.Read More -
Why Traditions Matter
The Country School community is overflowing with history and tradition. In this blog post, we take a look at the importance of traditions in school life - and why they matter beyond graduation.Read More -
Adopting a "Do Less" Mentality
In a recent "Hidden Brain" podcast, the concept of less being more is examined.Read More
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2022 Summer Camp Guide
Check out the many great ways to keep your kids busy this summer with our 2022 Summer Camp Guide!Read More
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