Unique Reading Journals

In one of my workshops last summer I told people that I encounter difficulties when it comes to writing in my reading journals. And because of that, I also think that my children have not performed well when it comes to daily writing in their journals. I'd like to share some changes that I've made this year. Everything is working smoothly. Here are the things we started.

1. Buy unique journals for each family member - I purchased mine from Staples, one for myself and each of my children.

2. Try using a small journal - My journals are about 5x7 in size. I was thinking the smaller pages would not intimidate kids in putting their thoughts into writing.

3. Talk about what each person wrote - We started the day with Family Group Time where we read out loud. But that's another story. Each person tells something about what they wrote in their journal from the previous day. This makes us accountable each day. This activity won't take more than 5 minutes per day, unless you're on an interesting subject... Keep it short and simple to maintain enthusiasm.

4. Allow each person which book to journal - At this time, I let my kids journal about what we read aloud or their own personal reading. Making them choose helps kids take control or take ownership in their studies. Different books are more interesting to different people, so the journal entries are better if you let them choose.

5. Make it a fun and easy environment - As the reading journal progresses, I make it a point to relax with our reading journals. They can just tell the story over again in their own words. As time goes by, I want them to go beyond re-telling and include their thoughts about what they've read. This will develop the higher cognitive skills as they critically think through their book.

When these methods are used with your own students, you'll see that their writings and their attitude improve. If you use reading journals in a homeschool or classroom setting, you can greatly help your students with the reading journal activity.


Kerry Beck recommends Gileskirk curriculum to further use reading journals with your students. She wants to give you a free report, "How to Get It All Done" at Christian Homeschool Curriculum.