Fun Journal Topics for a Journal Jar for Kids
A journal jar for writing is a unique and effective tool for today's educator to use in the classroom. These jars can be used to teach students writing skills all the way from kindergarten through high school. The teacher will need to find a large glass jar to put in the classroom. Any jar will do, and even a Mason jar can be used to hold the journal prompts. The teacher will then collect various journal topics from different fields that have been discussed in the classroom. The topics are limitless and can be as wide-ranging as the teacher's imagination and the students' interests will take them. The teacher will write the journal topics on small slips of paper, fold them up and put them in the jar where her students will pick from the jar and write about the topic they choose. Writing instruction in the classroom usually lasts from one hour to 90 minutes, and this should give students ample time to compose a journal entry on their selected topic.
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Childhood Memories
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Have children write in their journal about their favorite childhood experiences. What was one of their favorite childhood memories? How many siblings do they have? Have them discuss a favorite family holiday memory, and what made it most special. What was a favorite family vacation, and where did they go? Make sure that students understand in their writing they are not only to write about their experiences, but how those experiences made them feel. What made those memories so special to them?
Hobbies
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Have students write about their favorite hobbies and extracurricular activities. All students have activities and hobbies they are passionate about. Have children tap into that passion by journaling topics such as, What hobby do you like to participate in? What makes your hobby or sport special to you? Have students use details like "awesome adjectives" and "vivid verbs" to add color and flair to their writing.
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Pets
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Have students write journal entries on their favorite pets in the family. If students do not have a pet, have them write about a relative's pet, or an animal that they saw at the zoo. They can even imagine what they would do if that zoo animal were their pet. Have students describe their pet in detail, and also add in their pet's distinguishing characteristics that make that pet special to them. Also, have students write about different adventures they have had with their pet.
Vacations
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Students can write about vacations they have taken with their families or friends and relatives. Have students describe where they went on vacation and the local flavor and culture of the vacation destination. This gives students a chance to research other cultures and locales. If students do not know all the facts and figures of the vacation spot they traveled to, they can research these items on the Internet or in the school library. This can tie into lessons on social studies and world geography.
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- Photo Credit notebook in close up image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
