A journal or diary allows you to record the events that occur in your life, as well as to cope with and understand your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes you need to write a school journal to deepen your understanding of the lesson. Fortunately, journaling is very easy. First, choose a topic to write about, such as life events. Then, write down the opening and start expressing your thoughts.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Selecting a Topic
Step 1. Write down what is happening in your life
This includes things like activities, events, and achievements. Use a journal to record what your life is like now so you can look back on it later.
- Journals are a great medium for jotting down things you want to remember.
- For example, write down a funny incident at lunch, scoring the winning goal in a soccer game, or an argument with a friend. The events recorded can be positive or negative.
Step 2. Peel your emotions or feelings about something
Write down what you went through, how you felt, and what you hope will happen in the future. Let journaling act as an emotional release so you can better cope with your emotions.
Say you're sad because you just broke up. You can write down those feelings and what you miss about the relationship. This will help you let go of your feelings so you can feel better
Step 3. Use a theme if you're not sure what to write
If you want to get into the habit of journaling or have to keep a school journal, write a theme that can help you find topics to write about. Search the internet for a theme, then choose one that sparks your imagination. Here's an example theme to get started:
- Write down what you want to do this weekend.
- Discuss the places you want to visit.
- Pretend to find a fantasy creature.
- Take note of anything you want to change.
- Write from the point of view of your favorite book or movie character.
Step 4. Record your reactions to reading material and lectures in an academic journal
If you're keeping a school or college journal entry, write down everything about your lesson. This includes readings, lectures, and class discussions. Additionally, discuss your thoughts on the lesson. Here are some things that can be included in the school journal notes:
- Summary of reading or lecture material.
- Your analysis of the subject matter.
- Relationships between the topics you study.
- Your personal connection to the lesson.
- Your question about the material or lecture.
Tip:
Focus the school journal on learning and material analysis. For example, you could summarize the material, record your thoughts about the material, and write down any questions that arise. There is no need to write down how you feel about the reading or the lesson.
Method 2 of 4: Writing Preamble
Step 1. Read the worksheet if you are journaling for school purposes
Review the worksheet at least twice to make sure you fully understand the teacher's or lecturer's request. If you have any questions, ask them as soon as possible so you don't get the job wrong. This helps ensure you get full marks.
The teacher or lecturer assigns journaling to help you deepen your understanding of the subject matter and improve your writing skills. By following the instructions, you can achieve that goal
Step 2. Write the date at the top
Date helps you keep track of when the note was written. It helps you understand what is going on in your life at that time. Use the date format you normally use.
For example, you could write, "July 24, 2019" or 24-07-19"
Step 3. Include the location and time to provide context
Although optional, these details help you remember what happened when you wrote the note. This is especially helpful if you plan to read the journal again in the future. Write the location and time under the date or at the beginning of the note itself.
For example, for location you could write “Universal Coffee Shop”, “School”, “Paris”, or “My Room”. For the time, write down the actual hour, such as “12.25”, or a specific time, such as “After Dawn”
Step 4. Start with an opening like “Dear Diary” or “Hello Myself”, whichever you prefer
Use of this greeting is optional so it can be skipped. However, you may need to try it a few times to see if it helps you to start writing. Choose the opening that suits you.
Tip:
Greetings are usually not required for school journals.
Method 3 of 4: Expressing Yourself in a Personal Journal
Step 1. Don't worry about grammar and spelling rules
Allow yourself to make mistakes when writing. This journal is for personal consumption so it doesn't matter if there is an incorrect writing. Just let your thoughts flow onto the paper.
If you are bothered by writing errors, please correct them after you finish writing
Step 2. Try creatively writing personal notes
You can use any format, please try different structures. This helps you to hone your writing habits because there is the freedom to do what you want to do that day. For example, try the following methods:
- Turn memories into stories.
- Record your dream last night.
- Write a list, such as what you did for the day or anything you are grateful for.
- Draw or paste pictures into the journal.
- Write song lyrics or quotes that are meaningful to you.
- Write your own lyrics or poetry.
- Write a monologue or stream of thoughts.
Step 3. Use “I” for the first person point of view
You write down your personal thoughts, experiences, and reflections. So, there is no need to use a third person point of view. Please write as “I” unless you really don't want to.
For example, write “I had lunch with Sari today” instead of “Ami had lunch with Sari today”
Step 4. Include details that engage all five senses to bring your notes to life
This is optional, but can make notes more interesting and help you remember what happened. Think about what you saw, heard, smelled, felt, and tasted during that event or experience. Then, enter some of these details into notes.
For example, you are on vacation to the beach. Include details such as, “sea spray hitting my face”, “the smell of burning wood from the campfire”, “the taste of salt on my lips”, “sunlight glistening on the surface of the water”, and “the screams of other visitors playing on the beach”
Step 5. Don't worry about note length
You don't have to fill out the entire page each time you write. Very short or very long notes are fine. Write down what you want to pour. If it's hard to think of anything else, feel free to end it briefly.
In journal notes, writing often is more important than writing many words
Method 4 of 4: Compiling Academic Journal Records
Step 1. Adjust the flow of thoughts to make notes more coherent
Journal notes don't need to be as organized as essays, even for school journals. However, your line of thought must be followable. Use sentences to express thoughts, and start new paragraphs when you discuss other ideas.
- If you're telling a story, try to follow a narrative structure to provide a beginning, middle, and end.
- Read again before submitting to check if the record is correct.
Step 2. Make sure you meet the required word count
Check the assignment sheet to see if there are any specific requirements regarding note length. If so, make sure you meet the minimum word count to get full marks. Use the word counter in a word processor program or count words manually if the notes are handwritten.
- For handwritten journals, the teacher or lecturer may only ask you to fill out one page. Make sure you know the exact requirements so that the task can be done correctly.
- If you're having a hard time thinking of writing material, create a mind map on the topic to help you come up with new ideas.
Step 3. Use correct grammar as in an essay
Always follow the rules of grammar when you are writing a school journal. Use capitalization, punctuation, and correct sentence structure throughout the notes. Otherwise, the value you get may not be optimal.
If you're having trouble with grammar, ask your school or college writing center for help, or if an instructor can provide a short course. In addition, you can learn grammar from online sources
Step 4. Read again when done and fix the error
As part of schoolwork, academic journals must be error-free. Read the journal entries at least twice to check for errors. Then, fix what needs to be fixed.
- This is especially important if journaling is a graded assignment.
- If you're typing journal entries on an online portal, there's usually a spell-checking tool you can use. However, you should still read it again to find other errors.
Tips
- It's a good idea to keep a journal regularly to form a habit. To remember, write at the same time each day.
- You can use a physical journal, but there are also journaling apps and websites to try. In addition, you can also use a word processor such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
- If you haven't written in a while, there's no need to summarize everything that's happened since the last note. Just write down what you think at the time.
- You can write anything. So don't feel that you can only express your feelings. Please write down the achievements of each day or what you enjoyed that day.
