With the increase in journal-type books that kids have fallen into for giggles and inner-most thoughts (see last week’s post of new journal-style books kids love reading), journaling is something kids are enjoying more. Encouraging kids to write (or draw) in journals helps them to express their feelings and thoughts and gives parents a greater opportunity to connect. Below are several different types of journals for kids to enjoy.
Last month, when I purchased a simple notebook for my 8-year-old, I was amazed at how quickly I “lost” him to the process. His pages quickly filled with daily-life-related sketches and comments, similar in style to Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. My older son was also given a journal, and his pages were filled with stories and expressions he was feeling as well as some fiction writing.
Journals can be more than basic spiral-bound lined pages with a blank cover. Consider what your child enjoys reading and how well the journal will fit on his or her nightstand, bookshelf, or desk. Here are a few options:
Sketch Books
Best for the child with a mind of pictures– if your child expresses himself freely in pictures rather than words and is always drawing, this is your best option. A sketchbook gives him an opportunity to put thoughts on paper just as well as a lined notebook.
Doodle Books
Doodle Books are similar to sketchbooks in that they offer more opportunities for kids to express their thoughts in a picture than words. Doodle books, generally, start with prompts to help guide kids in their images.
Guided writing
Some kids need inspiration when looking at a blank book. There are hundreds of options of books that offer “story starters” some of my favorites include:
- Through My Eyes: A Journal for Teens
- 365 Journal Writing Ideas: A year of daily journal writing prompts, questions & actions to fill your journal with memories, self-reflection, creativity & direction
For younger children
Children just learning to write will enjoy Draw & Write Children’s Journal, primary journals that offer both an image area, with primary writing lines for words (includes dashed lines for letter formation).
An adventure to complete with the help of an older friend, sibling, or relative, young children love to respond to Dr. Seuss’ My Book About Me.
All About Me books
Another subcategory of the journal genre, All About Me books, ask kids questions and ask for short answers and illustrations from kids that lets them record things they like, dislike, and feel.
- All About Me: A Keepsake Journal for Kids
- All About Me Teenage Edition: The Story of Your Life
Buddy or family journaling
More of a partnership, families enjoy the chance to journal together, giving parents and children the opportunity to discuss their views, opinions, and feelings.
The Family Doodle Book: 65+ Prompts That Let Parents and Kids Doodle Together! (We had to buy three copies of this book so each kid could have his or her own to do with my husband and me. We’re all loving this one.)
- Journal Buddies: A Boy’s Journal for Discovering and Sharing Excellence
- Just Between Us: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal for Girls and Their Moms
Blank, Lined Notebooks
The traditional lined notebooks are for kids who want to write what they want to write.
- Black n’ Red Twin Wire Hardcover Notebook
- TOPS Royale Business Hardcover Notebook