Easy Classroom Journals

I love the idea that the students in my class find a love for writing, whatever kind of writing that may be. To support this, my students will have free writing time to write about what they would like. This could be gratitude writing or simply sharing what they would like without specific guidelines or requirements. That’s where these journals come in. I first saw another teacher make something similar and thought it was such a great idea! They are a super inexpensive (always a good thing) and make writing a little more special.

I used the Hilroy 23.1cm x 18.0cm books found here but Staples, Walmart or any other store that carries school supplies should have them. I also think any notebook that works best for your students will work.

Simply flip open to the last page and apply a line of hot glue in the upper half close to the spine. Take whichever ribbon you would like and apply along the hot glue (careful not to burn yourself!). Then just trim the ribbon to the desired length so it hangs out the bottom edge of the journal.

To add an extra touch I also trimmed down scrapbook paper and applied to the front of a journal. I think too, I would be fun to let the students decorate their journals how they would like to adding just white to the front could serve as a great blank canvas!