S1.E14: Learning Journals

The Power of a Learning Journal: A Tool for Lifelong Learning

In the journey of raising thinkers, one valuable tool that can greatly enhance the learning process is a learning journal. Keeping track of what we learn by writing it down not only helps solidify our thoughts but also creates a lasting record of our discoveries and insights.

Why a Learning Journal?

Thinkers are individuals who actively process their ideas, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through writing. Writing allows us to reflect on what we’ve learned, consolidate our understanding, and build a deeper connection with the material. As a child, I experienced this firsthand through travel journals. Although I didn’t document every trip, the times I did journal about my travels allowed me to remember those experiences vividly even years later. As an adult, I continue to journal regularly, and it has become an integral part of my learning process.

Recently, I read a book titled The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye, which beautifully illustrates the value of keeping a learning journal. In the story, the main character and his family use “discovery notebooks” to document their observations and learning. This practice serves as a reservoir of ideas and thoughts that they can draw upon to better understand the world around them.

How a Learning Journal Enhances Thinking

Keeping a journal helps us organize and retain the knowledge we acquire. It’s not about amassing information for its own sake, but about using that knowledge to think critically and solve problems. When we write down what we’ve learned, we create a resource that we can revisit, helping us make connections and explore new ideas.

This concept can be adapted for all ages. Whether you’re embarking on a family trip or just going about your daily life, there are countless opportunities to document what you observe and learn. For example:

• Travel Journals: On trips, you can keep a travel journal, photographic notebook, or scrapbook that includes ticket stubs, photos, and written reflections.
• Daily Learning Journals: At the end of each day, make it a family habit to write down two or three things you’ve learned. Younger children can carry a notebook with them to document their observations, turning them into little research scientists.

The Importance of Handwriting

While technology plays a significant role in our lives, research has shown that our brains encode information better when we write by hand rather than typing. This is especially beneficial for younger children who may not yet be ready for extensive use of technology. Even if they are still learning to write, children can use invented spelling or draw what they observe. Their journals can be a combination of scrapbooking, drawing, and writing, which helps them develop the habit of recording their learning experiences daily.

Creating a Habit of Learning

Starting a learning journal is a simple yet powerful way to encourage curiosity and critical thinking in your child. Over time, this practice can become a natural part of their daily routine, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

So, why not start today? Encourage your child to pick up a notebook and begin documenting their world. Whether it’s through words, drawings, or collections of small treasures, a learning journal can help them—and you—capture the richness of everyday experiences.