As January unfolds, National Journal Writing Month invites you to trade your screen for a pen, to venture on a journey of self-expression by putting your thoughts, experiences, and ideas onto paper.
While the concept of journaling isn’t novel, amidst the digital age, teenagers may find solace in this traditional practice, stepping away from their devices to find a moment of introspection. Beyond its time-honoured allure, journaling boasts mental health benefits, offering relief from stress and anxiety, honing writing and communication skills, and serving as a wellspring of inspiration. Whether integrated into the classroom curriculum or pursued as a personal endeavour, journaling holds profound value.
Photo – courtesy of National Heritage Academies ©
Sarah Montpas, English Language Arts Curriculum Manager at National Heritage Academies (NHA), underscores the therapeutic essence of journaling, particularly for adolescents navigating the labyrinth of emotions. “Transcribing thoughts onto paper can be cathartic—it’s a release. For many students, writing proves easier than verbalizing,” she notes.
Montpas champions the ‘notebook writing’ technique, advocating for educators to join students in the journaling journey, fostering an environment conducive to experimentation and growth. Beyond fortifying writing prowess, journaling fosters communication skills, offering a canvas for linguistic exploration and idea refinement.
While extolling the virtues of handwriting for its organic flow, Montpas embraces electronic journaling, catering to diverse preferences and needs. At NHA schools, journaling finds its place in the curriculum as early as sixth grade, yet Montpas affirms that the practice can commence even earlier.
For those contemplating embarking on a personal journaling voyage, Montpas offers practical advice:
Gather Materials: Equip yourself with a journal or notebook and a writing tool, tailoring your choice to your preferences and style.
Pair it with Routine: Integrate journaling into an existing habit to streamline the process. Whether post-reading before bed or during a morning coffee break, find a rhythm that suits you.
Set Time Limits: Initiate with brief sessions, gradually expanding as you acclimate to the practice.
Embrace Creativity: Liberated from conventional structures, journaling invites experimentation. Incorporate images, bullet points, or any form of expression that resonates with you—there are no rules.
National Journal Writing Month beckons—a time to unplug, to reconnect with yourself, and to discover the transformative power of the written word.
