Share a journal entry
Write and share a short journal entry about your day, feelings, or a favorite memory, then discuss it respectfully with a trusted adult or friend.
Step-by-step guide to write and share a journal entry
9 Simple Journaling Techniques for Beginners (That Actually Work!)
Step 1
Find a quiet comfortable spot and sit with your notebook and pen.
Step 2
Choose what to write about: your day feelings or a favorite memory.
Step 3
Set a timer for 10 minutes to keep your writing time focused.
Step 4
Write a short journal entry of about three to six sentences about your chosen topic.
Step 5
Read your entry aloud to yourself slowly.
Step 6
Make one small edit to any sentence to make it clearer or kinder.
Step 7
Add a small doodle or decorate the page with colouring materials if you want.
Step 8
Ask a trusted adult or friend if they have time to listen to your journal.
Step 9
Sit with them and read your journal entry aloud.
Step 10
Ask one respectful question like "What do you think?" or "Can you share one kind thought?"
Step 11
Listen quietly to their response.
Step 12
Say thank you to the person for listening.
Step 13
Share your finished journal entry on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a notebook, pen, or a 10-minute timer?
Use loose paper or a stapled stack or a notes app on a phone for the notebook, a pencil or marker instead of a pen, and set a phone alarm or kitchen timer for the 10-minute timer.
I'm stuck choosing a topic or nervous about reading my entry aloud—what should I try?
If you can't pick a topic, choose from the suggested options (your day, feelings, or a favorite memory), and if you're nervous read the entry aloud to yourself slowly first or record it on your phone to play for a trusted adult later.
How can I adapt this journaling activity for younger or older children?
For younger kids shorten the timer to 5 minutes, ask for 1–2 simple sentences with more doodling and a parent nearby, and for older kids increase to 15–20 minutes, aim for 6–10 sentences with deeper prompts and a reflective edit.
How can we extend or personalize the journal after finishing the page?
Turn several finished pages into a decorated mini-book, add photos or stickers alongside your doodles, keep a list of your kindness edits, and share a photo of the finished page on DIY.org to track progress.
Watch videos on how to write and share a journal entry
How to write a diary entry in 5 Steps (With Examples) ✍️
4 Videos
How to write a diary entry in 5 Steps (With Examples) ✍️
How to Start Journaling for Beginners | 4 Journals That Will Change Your LIFE
5 Easy Ways to Start Journaling 🖊️
HOW TO JOURNAL *for beginners*
Facts about journaling and emotional literacy for kids
⏱️ You only need 5–10 minutes a day to build a journaling habit that makes a big difference over time.
📝 People have kept diaries for centuries — famous examples include Anne Frank's diary and explorers' travel journals.
💡 Studies of expressive writing show that spending 15–20 minutes writing about feelings can help people process emotions and improve well-being.
😊 Talking about a journal entry with a trusted adult or friend can strengthen relationships and make feelings feel lighter.
🧠 Writing helps your brain organize memories and increases self-awareness, making it easier to understand how you feel.
How do you do the journal-sharing activity with a child?
What materials do I need for a journal-sharing activity?
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What are the benefits and safety tips for sharing journal entries?
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