Journal writing is one of those simple yet powerful classroom routines that can make a big impact. It gives students the chance to write freely about a topic, practice using capital letters and punctuation, and work on forming their letters. The best part? It doesn’t require a lot of direct instruction every time. Once students get the hang of it, journaling becomes a calm, independent activity that allows them to grow as writers at their own pace.
Journaling can also be therapeutic. Whether students are writing or drawing quietly, the act of journaling brings both calm and creativity into your classroom. Want to take that peaceful feeling to the next level? Try bringing journals outside. Writing outdoors adds a whole new layer of mindfulness and wonder to the experience.
Why Teachers Love Journal Writing
Journal writing can be whatever you and your students need it to be—structured or open-ended, short or long, creative or reflective. Here are just a few benefits teachers have noticed:
- Builds writing stamina
- Supports handwriting practice
- Encourages writing across a variety of topics
- Fosters self-expression
- Provides consistent practice with writing conventions
- Encourages independence
- Calms busy minds
Take it Outside
A great way to mix things up is to bring journal writing outdoors. Walk your students outside and give them a fun or thoughtful prompt to write about. Let them find a spot under a tree, on a bench, or even in the grass. The change in scenery inspires fresh ideas and helps kids focus in a different way.
Getting Started with Journal Writing
You don’t need anything fancy to begin. Journals can be as simple as stapled pages, a set of printed journal sheets, a notebook, or a composition book. When you introduce journals to your students, let them know that these notebooks are special—they’ll get to use them outside! That simple shift in location can turn a regular writing time into something students look forward to.
Just be sure to set a few expectations beforehand, like “Even though we’re outside, we’re still in class.” Then let your writers take it from there.
Journal Writing Benefits
Journal writing has so many amazing benefits for young learners, and it's something that can be both meaningful and fun! For children in kindergarten through second grade, journaling helps them express their thoughts, build confidence as writers, and develop a love for storytelling. It gives students a chance to be creative, play with language, and explore their ideas freely—without the pressure of being perfect.
And when journal writing happens outside, the magic only grows! Being in nature helps kids slow down, tune into their senses, and be more mindful. They might write about what they see, hear, or feel around them, making their writing more vivid and personal. Plus, outdoor journaling can inspire curiosity, encourage movement, reduce stress, and boost focus—turning writing time into a calming and joyful experience.
Journal Writing Topics
You can use just about any topic for journal writing, but it’s extra fun to keep the focus on the outdoors! Kids can write about everything from their favorite thing to do at recess to spotting a bird and describing what it’s doing.
Here are some examples:
- Look at the playground. What would you do to make it better? Draw a picture and write two or more sentences.
- Look up at the clouds. What shapes do you see? Write about one of the clouds you notice and draw a picture.
- If you could talk to a tree, what would you say? What would it say to you? Write about it and draw a picture.
Journal Writing Tips
1. Keep it Routine
Set aside consistent time each day or week for journal writing. A predictable routine helps students feel comfortable and confident when it's time to write.
2. Start with Short Sessions
Begin with 5–10 minute writing times, and slowly build stamina. Young writers can get overwhelmed easily, so shorter writing times help them stay focused and successful.
3. Model, Model, Model
Show students what journal writing looks like! Think aloud as you write your own simple entry on chart paper or under a document camera. Let them see that it doesn’t have to be perfect.
4. Encourage Inventive Spelling
It’s okay if spelling isn’t perfect! Remind students to stretch out words and write the sounds they hear. Journaling is about ideas and expression—not perfection.
5. Celebrate Students' Effort
Share entries during Author’s Chair time, do partner shares, or leave simple sticky notes of encouragement in journals. Celebrating journal writing builds pride and motivation.
6. Be Flexible
Some students may write a full page, while others write a sentence and a picture—and that’s okay! Let journals reflect each student’s developmental level and voice.
Journal writing is already a meaningful part of the day for many young learners—but taking it outdoors adds a whole new layer of calm, creativity, and inspiration. Whether your students are observing nature, writing about recess, or simply enjoying a quiet moment under a tree, outdoor journaling can turn writing time into something truly special.
Ready to take your writing time outside? Bring calm, creativity, and curiosity to your classroom with this Outdoor Journal Writing Resource! It’s packed with everything you need to make outdoor writing easy, meaningful, and fun for your first and second grade students. Get it today and watch your young writers shine under the sun and sky!
