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Background Information
The My Feelings Journaling Program started as Ava Scattergood's Girl Scout Gold Award Project with the purpose of raising mental health awareness and teaching children how to express themselves through writing and drawing. With the help of a licensed psychologist, as well as an expert in S.E.L. (social emotional learning), she created a list of journaling and art prompts designed for each grade level from TK-5. These prompts allow students to safely discuss their emotions and any anxieties and/or problems they may be facing. Currently, the program has been implemented for over 200 students throughout the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.
"With the creation of this website, my goal is to promote children's self-expression and teach necessary emotional coping skills to a greater community."
How It Works - For Schools
For schools, use the prompts listed on this website and a notebook or a piece of paper. The instructor chooses and shares a prompt from the list with students. Encourage students to answer it to the best of their ability. Best practice suggests alternating between the main three sections of the prompts list: Good Feelings, Bad Feelings, and Art.
Throughout the school year, students can collect their responses in a "My Feelings Journal" that they get to keep to take home to use or carry forward into the next school year. Over time, students hopefully will feel comfortable discussing the prompts and their responses with one another; however, some may want to not share and that choice should also be supported by their peers and teachers. Offer students more time to write/draw about anything that's on their mind if they finish other school work early or there is free time available during class.
How It Works - At Home
At home, prompts can be completed at any time and however often the child or parent would like. Offer variety by alternating prompts from the main three lists: Good Feelings, Bad Feelings, and Art. Encourage the child to write/draw about anything that's on their mind whenever they feel like it. Be open to their sharing what they wrote or drew and withhold judgment. Then, share your own thoughts and feelings in response to the same prompt or topic, if they seem interested in knowing about your feelings and thoughts.
Any Questions?
Email: info@myfeelingsjournal.com
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