Keeping kids reading, writing and learning over the summer is crucial. I recently shared that the Lil Divas were keeping a summer writing journal and enjoying fun writing prompts. Journaling is such a great way to get kids writing. Today, Jen from Kitchen Counter Chronicles is sharing a writing idea that I truly love - a Summer Gratitude Journal!
Here's Jen...........
I am excited to be visiting from my blog, Kitchen Counter Chronicles , and sharing this activity with you today. I have two daughters, who are 7 and 9 years old. They are happy, creative and smart girls, but are they grateful for all that they have? Gratitude. How can I teach my girls gratitude? I try and remind my girls how fortunate we are, to live where we live and have all that we have. The reality is that they are so young and their experiences are so limited, they really cannot understand what the word mean. This summer I decided that I wanted to find a more concrete way to help them understand what it means to be grateful. The idea of a gratitude journal seemed like the perfect tool to use. I hoped that writing in the journal, every day, would help them see all the beauty in life around them.
First, I picked up a small journal, with lined pages for each of my daughters. It was important to pick a journal with lined pages, so that writing clearly would be easy. I also provided each of my girls with a pencil to write with.
Next, I wrote a brief poem on the front page about gratitude. I thought this poem would help to inspire them and help them understand that sometimes we might be thankful for the challenges we face, not just the "happy" things that happen.
Finally, I spoke to each of my girls individually about her journal. I explained that they could write about whatever they like. It is up to them if they write about one thing or more. I only asked that they think about the day and write about what they are thankful for. Whatever that means...at the end of every single day.
Each of my daughters had a different reaction. My youngest was excited and explained that she would be writing about 2 things each day. She wanted to put the date on each page. She wanted to number each thing she is grateful for. Her mind is very methodical and logical. I wasn’t surprised by her chosen method.
My eldest daughter, on the other hand, decided to write a paragraph each day. She has a real passion for creative writing and that is exactly how her journal is structured. Each day is a new short story of gratitude.
This exercise has been wonderful. My daughters have only been writing in their journals for a couple of weeks and I can see them being more thoughtful every single day. At bedtime they check in with each other to make certain they write an entry in their journals. I am so grateful for these gratitude journals. I can’t wait for the end of the summer, when we can all sit down and read them together and reflect on all the amazing things my girls are truly grateful for.
In my "previous life" I was a mental health professional...in my current life I'm a stay-at-home mom with 2 beautifully adventurous kids. I share everything that lands on our kitchen counter over on my blog, Kitchen Counter Chronicles. Swing by and learn how we are greening our lives; what we are crafting; what we are cooking and what we are reading. While you will often find the girls and I inside the kitchen, you will also find us out getting our hands dirty, exploring and learning outdoors. I can also be found on Facebook and Pinterest.
I love this idea. Hopefully it will continue after the summer as well!
ReplyDeleteI love all things stationery and letter writing over at www.ritewhileucan.com so I especially loved your journal idea here. Not only does it foster a grateful heart but gets kids writing too!
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing journal it is! You can also check out these stylish Eco-Friendly Journals for your kids. They are safe and come with amazing stories.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Mom to 2 Posh talent and that Lil Divas journal that she created. Of course, you are right that the children and other people must keep reading, writing, and learning over the summer. As a professional ghostwriter, I am impressed by her work and hope she will continue this amazing work!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt that these little kid did a great job in their holidays and didn't waste their days on just playing video game like these kids can be upcoming Book Ghostwriters of the new era.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this notebook concept because I adore stationery and letter writing at The Amazon Book Publishing. It encourages students to write as well as cultivate gratitude!
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ReplyDeleteLearning children gratitude with a journal is a great concept! It makes them develop appreciation for the blessings of life. Just as formal learning helps in gaining knowledge, formal guidance guarantees success. In case you are juggling studies, you can Pay Someone to Do My Exam for professional help.
ReplyDeleteI recently started using gratitude journals with my kids, and it's been a game changer for their emotional growth and positivity. It’s a simple yet powerful habit that helps them focus on the good things in life. I actually discovered this idea through a post by Salman Muhammad Yousuf, the best Marketing Strategist, who often shares insightful tips that go beyond just marketing.
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ReplyDeleteGratitude journals are a wonderful way to help children learn the value of appreciation while also encouraging daily reading and writing practice. Over the summer, when academic routines are often put on hold, this activity provides a meaningful way for kids to stay engaged in reflective thinking. By introducing the idea of writing down things they are thankful for, children begin to notice and appreciate the small joys and experiences in their everyday lives. This simple habit not only improves writing skills but also fosters a positive outlook, making it a powerful tool for emotional growth. Cars for sale in Mombasa Kenya are cheaper at Magari Deals.
ReplyDeleteThe experience of Jen and her daughters highlights how each child can approach gratitude journaling differently, depending on personality and interests. Her youngest daughter preferred a structured style, numbering items and focusing on concise entries, while her eldest enjoyed writing longer, more creative paragraphs. This flexibility shows that there is no single “right way” to keep a gratitude journal. Instead, the practice can be adapted to each child’s natural tendencies, which helps keep the activity enjoyable and sustainable. Over time, this exercise encourages self-expression, reflection, and a deeper understanding of gratitude as more than just saying “thank you.”
Beyond personal growth, gratitude journaling can strengthen family connections. When children share their entries at bedtime or during family gatherings, it creates meaningful conversations about what everyone values most. Parents can also model gratitude by keeping their own journals, turning it into a family tradition. By the end of the summer, reviewing these journals becomes a beautiful way to reflect on positive experiences and lessons learned. Ultimately, gratitude journals are more than a summer project; they are a lifelong habit that helps children build resilience, optimism, and a greater sense of appreciation for the world around them. Buy Toyota Prado from Magari Deals today!
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