Today, I want to dish the details on Big Life Journal.
I’ve shared this gem over on Instagram, and it’s about time I wrote a post.
I am constantly on the hunt for engaging, fun, and unique educational opportunities. When children are engaged in an activity that they love, they have no idea that they are learning!
The Big Life Journal is a journal unlike any other because it is based on growth mindset theory.
Big Life Journal: Build Connection, Inspire Creativity, & Encourage A Growth Mindset
*Disclosure: I received the Big Life Journal at no cost in exchange for a review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only choose to review products that I would use with my own family and those that I believe other families will enjoy.
What is the Big Life Journal?
Recommended for children ages 7 and up, the Big Life Journal is a growth mindset journal for kids. It is divided into 26 weeks and is designed to be used once per week.
The Big Life Journal is designed to help children develop a growth mindset. Rather than believing that their intelligence and skills are fixed, children with a growth mindset believe that they can use effort and strategies to continually grow and improve.
Together, a child and his or her “Journal Buddy” (a parent, grandparent, sibling, or caregiver) read, write, and discuss a variety of topics each week.
Big Life Journal pairs perfectly with our homeschool routine.
Over the 26-weeks, the child and his or her Journal Buddy explore a variety of topics including:
- Make a Difference in the World
- Dream Big
- Follow Your Heart
- You Are Not What You Have
- Believe in Yourself
- Take Action
- Be Persistent
- Effort is Key
- Love Learning
- Be Mindful
- Be Grateful
- Failure is Learning
- Be Positive
Together, the child and his or her Journal Buddy discuss these subjects. The Big Life Journal incorporates stories, illustrations, poems, and activities to help children and dive deep.
How to use this journal
Using the Big Life Journal is simple:
- Select a journal buddy. This could be a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend.
- Pick a time to journal and stick to it every single week. Find a time that works for both the child and the journal buddy and commit to this new tradition.
- Have fun! The Big Life Journal is designed to be a fun tradition. Read, write, chat, and get creative. You’ll be making memories in the process.
What we love about the Big Life Journal
I’m not going to lie- I am a journal addict. As such, I’ve tried a lot of journals over the years, from popular journals on the market to homemade ones. The Big Life Journal is a journal unlike any other. I love how unique and creative this journal is! Plus, as a busy homeschool mama, I appreciate the time commitment. Using this journal once per week keeps it special and fun without any of the pressure of a daily journal.
Above all, I love the messages contained in this journal. Children learn that they have control over themselves, their behavior, and the world around them. When children have a growth mindset, they believe that they can always improve and grow- what a wonderful message to teach our children at an early age!
I’m excited to have discovered Big Life Journal and to share this tradition with my children. This simple routine has been a wonderful addition to our summer!
Do you adore incredible homeschool resources, too?
Gameschooling can take your journaling to the next level
These are games that are not only fun, but also boost all-important literacy, oral language, and written language skills!
- 20+ Fantastic Reading and Language Arts Games
- 100 Games and Picture Books for Play-Based Learning
- Mad Libs The Game: Laughter Guaranteed!
- Ignite Creativity and Learning with Build & Imagine
- Creative Games: Encourage Imagination and Creativity Through Play
Here are some of our family’s favorite reading and language arts games:
Other journals we have tried
- The Best Nature Journaling Books for Creativity and Inspiration
- The Most Amazing Journals to Use with Your Children
- Simple Vacation Learning: Journals
- DIY Traveling Journal Homeschool Project
- Family History Project: Grandparent Journals
The homeschool language arts curriculum we use
All three children enjoy:
Our homeschool curriculum choices, by year
I get a lot of questions about our curriculum choices. You can read more here:
- 2017-2018 Homeschool Curriculum (1st, 2nd, and 4th grade)
- 2016-2017 Homeschool Curriculum (K, 1st grade, and 3rd grade)
- 2015-2016 Homeschooling Curriculum (Pre-K, K, and 2nd grade)
Gifts for the language arts, writing, and book lover in your life
Additional language arts resources for your homeschool
If you are looking for literature-rich curriculum, you’ll love these posts:
- Beautiful Feet Books: Literature-Rich Learning for Book Lovers
- A Literature-Rich Geography Curriculum for Book Lovers
Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Do you journal with your children? Share here!