Reflective Journaling for Growth

Melyssa Sweet

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Reflective Journaling for Growth

Develop self-awareness through journaling

This lesson introduces students to the practice of reflective journaling as a tool for personal growth. Students will learn how to use journaling to reflect on their goals and emotional experiences, fostering self-awareness and tracking personal development over time. This practice is important as it helps students develop critical self-reflection skills, which are essential for personal and academic success.

Audience

High School Students (Grades 9-12)

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Develop self-awareness through journaling

Materials

Notebooks or paper, Pens or pencils, and Reflective Journaling Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction to Journaling

5 minutes

Briefly explain the concept of reflective journaling and its benefits for personal growth.
Share examples of what students might reflect on, such as daily experiences, emotions, or goals.
Encourage students to think about how journaling can help them understand themselves better.

Step 2

Guided Journaling Activity

10 minutes

Distribute notebooks or paper and pens to each student.
Provide a prompt to guide their journaling, such as "Reflect on a recent experience that made you feel proud or challenged. What did you learn from it?"
Allow students time to write their reflections, encouraging them to be honest and thoughtful.

Step 3

Reflection and Discussion

5 minutes

Invite students to share their reflections in pairs or small groups, if they feel comfortable.
Use the Reflective Journaling Discussion Guide to facilitate a brief class discussion on the benefits of journaling and how it can be used for personal growth.
Encourage students to continue journaling regularly as a way to track their personal development.

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Discussion

Reflective Journaling Discussion Guide

A guide to facilitate a discussion on the benefits and practice of reflective journaling.

What are some benefits of keeping a reflective journal?

Discuss how journaling can help with self-awareness, emotional processing, and goal setting.

How can journaling help you track personal growth over time?

Encourage students to think about how regular reflection can highlight changes and progress in their thoughts and behaviors.

What challenges might you face when starting a journaling practice, and how can you overcome them?

Discuss common challenges like consistency and privacy, and brainstorm solutions such as setting a regular time for journaling or using code words for sensitive topics.