Boosting English Writing through Journaling

Ever wondered about supporting your child's English writing skills in a way that's both enjoyable and beneficial? Many parents find themselves pondering this, especially when it involves academic writing. Writing holds a significant place in English development, enabling effective communication and expression. It goes beyond school assignments—it's a skill that empowers children to convey thoughts clearly, persuade, and leave a lasting impression.

One delightful approach to enhancing a child's English writing is through journaling. Encouraging them to maintain a daily journal not only fosters writing skills but also becomes a canvas for self-expression. As discussed in previous articles, practice beyond the classroom is key to language improvement. Even writing a few sentences each day can make a noticeable difference. Often, the challenge for young writers lies not just in vocabulary but also in finding engaging topics. Journaling becomes an excellent practice ground, allowing them to express familiar experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

Beyond language development, journaling brings additional benefits. It helps build a richer vocabulary as children explore translations, thesaurus, and dictionaries to find the perfect words. The act of expressing themselves through daily journaling also contributes positively to mental health—processing thoughts, reducing stress, and providing a space for emotional regulation and positive self-talk. Moreover, it aids memory recall as children revisit events and feelings documented in their journals.

Now, how can parents encourage their children to start journaling? The acronym below offers a helpful guide:

J - Jot Down Thoughts: Begin by jotting down thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

O - Open Up: Encourage children to express themselves freely in their journals.

U - Unleash Creativity: Let the journal become a space for creativity to flourish.

R - Reflect: Promote reflection by taking time to ponder on the day's experiences and emotions.

N - Note Special Moments: Encourage noting down special moments or things they're grateful for.

A - Allow Mistakes: Remind them it's okay to make mistakes; there are no strict rules in journaling.

L - Let It Flow: Emphasize the importance of letting thoughts and emotions flow onto the pages without judgment.

It does not have to be lengthy; starting with 3 to 5 sentences daily is a wonderful beginning. Setting aside just 5 minutes a day can make a significant impact. The key is consistency and making it a daily habit. For example, five minutes a day, when done regularly every day, is better than an hour a week. Over time, children will see their entries naturally expand as they get into the flow of expressing thoughts. Parents can also utilize tools like Grammarly to check their children's writing.

As parents embark on the journaling journey with their children, it's essential to remember that this creative process is more than just honing writing skills. It's a celebration of each child's unique voice and a testament to their growing self-expression. By fostering a daily habit of journaling, parents not

only contribute to their children's language development but also create a space for creativity, reflection, and gratitude. As you witness your children's daily entries evolve, take joy in the profound impact this simple practice can have on their overall well-being. Happy journaling and cherishing the beautiful journey of language and self-discovery!

Written by: Ibu Gabriella Wu - EAL Teacher (gabriella.wu@sph.ac.id)