The Self Confidence Project for Teens (Ongoing Section)

Here are 4 benefits of journal writing for students:

According to an article by Positive Psychology, students of all ages can benefit from journaling.

It has proven effective in an area that is vital for child and adolescent development: increasing self-efficacy and promoting a healthy sense of control over one’s life (Fritson, 2008).

The article not only lists 83 benefits of journaling for all ages but specifically goes on to state that journaling helps students in many ways:

Helping them deal with “big feelings” in a healthy and safe way;
Improving their writing skills, including spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar;
Enhancing their reading skills;
Enhancing their communication skills (both written and verbal);
Taking advantage of an outlet for things that are difficult to express or uncomfortable to share;
Exploring and identifying their emotions;
Allowing themselves to feel “taboo” emotions like anger;
Examining the pros and cons of something to help them make a decision;
Reflecting on their thoughts about something after the fact;
Gaining insight into their own motives and the motives of others;
Seeing the positives as well as the negatives;
Planning out tough conversations in advance (Morin, 2018; Rodriguez, 2017).

Fritson, K. K. (2008). Impact of journaling on students’ self-efficacy and locus of control. InSight: A Journal of Scholarly Teaching, 3, 75-83.
Froh, J. J., Sefick, W. J., & Emmons, R. A. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of School Psychology, 46, 213-233.
Morin, A. (2018). The benefits of journaling for kids. Very Well Family. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/the-benefits-of-journaling-for-kids-2086712
  

Journals have been a part of my life since I was a child.  I successfully completed Law School with four children in tote, mainly because of my journal lists.  They kept me sane and organized.  
For twenty years I have had the opportunity to work with students from Pre-K through Graduate School in both a traditional learning atmosphere and those classes that deviate from neurotypical teaching.  I am a retired certified teacher, attorney and mother of seven. Every class I create is first implemented in my own household.  My teaching philosophy is that all students are individuals and unique learners that must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I will provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and where mistakes are considered education victories.
     While incorporating the eight learning styles into each class, I believe that there are five essential elements that are conducive to learning. (1) The teacher's role is to act as a guide. (2) Students must have access to hands-on activities. (3) Students should be able to have choices and let their curiosity direct their learning. (4) Students need the opportunity to practice skills in a safe environment. (5) Technology must be incorporated into the school day.

Finish weekly journals

By parent request 

55 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

Atomic Habits
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens