32 Daily Journal Ideas to Inspire You

32 Daily journal ideas to inspire and motivate young writers— Have you been searching for a fun and effective way to boost your students’ self-confidence and creativity? Look no further than the act of daily journaling!

Journaling is a creative and empowering way for kids to get more comfortable expressing their thoughts—and to help them understand that their ideas and feelings are valid and deserve to be shared. As students write and reflect, they’ll unlock new thoughts and begin to make connections that they otherwise might not have ever seen.

In these 32 daily journal ideas, students will specifically consider questions that help them get to know themselves better. They’ll stop and look back to recall their favorite memories, analyze their own talents and skills, and think about their goals for the future. In writing about their own thoughts and experiences, your students will come away from their daily journaling feeling more self-aware and whole.

Use these brand new journal prompts to get your kids writing and reflecting—and to help them better understand what makes them so very special and unique!

Daily Journal Ideas for Kids

Write about a time when someone made you feel good about yourself. What did the other person say? How did you respond to him or her?
What is the happiest you have ever been?
What is your first memory? Why does this event stick out in your mind?
If you could have any job in the world when you grow up, what would you choose? Why?
If you could meet any person in the world, who would it be? Why? List five questions you would ask him or her.
Write about a time when you felt nervous or anxious. What happened?
What is your favorite part of being in _____ grade? Why?
What age are you most looking forward to in the future? Why?
What is the most interesting thing you’ve ever done? What makes it so special?
What is your greatest talent? Where did you learn it?
Name one thing that you could help someone else learn how to do. Then, explain how you would teach the person to do it.
Where do you go when you want to spend time by yourself? What do you do there?
Fill in the blanks: An introvert is __________. An extrovert is __________. Do you think you are an introvert or extrovert? Why?
Are you better at making up ideas or figuring out how to make things work? Give an example of a time you did one of these things well.
Make a list of 10 things you could tell someone about to help him or her get to know you better.
What is something that most people would find surprising about you? Why would they be surprised?
What is your most prized possession? What makes the object so special to you?
Who is your best friend? What makes the two of you get along so well?
Would you rather have one or two very close friends or a large group of more casual friends? Why?
What is something that your mom or dad always tells you? Why do you think he or she says this so much?
Choose one of your family members and write about all of the ways in which you are similar.
Make a list of five adjectives that describe you and explain the meaning of each one.
Make a list of five adjectives that describe qualities you would like to have or improve, and explain why you aspire to each one.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve ever learned? Why was it so important?
What animal do you have the most in common with? How are you similar?
What is your single greatest dream or wish for the future? Do you think it will come true? Why or why not?
If you could trade any one quality about yourself for another, what would you choose? Why?
Make a list of five things that always make you smile and explain what you love about each one.
What will always be a mystery to you? Why?
What is the greatest gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special?
What are you grateful for? Why?
What does friendship mean to you? Explain your perspective.