Many kids struggle with writing—not because they lack ideas, but because writing often feels overwhelming. From worrying about spelling to trying to organize thoughts, traditional writing assignments can shut kids down before they even begin. Journaling offers a different approach: one that builds writing skills gently, consistently, and with far less pressure.
Why Writing Feels Hard for Many Kids
Writing asks children to juggle multiple skills at once:
Thinking of ideas
Organizing thoughts
Forming letters or typing
Spelling and punctuation
When all of this happens at once, it’s no surprise that kids resist writing or feel frustrated.
How Journaling Is Different from Traditional Writing
Journaling removes many of the barriers that make writing feel stressful.
Unlike formal assignments, journaling:
Has no “right” or “wrong” answer
Focuses on ideas over mechanics
Encourages personal voice
Allows kids to write at their own pace
This freedom helps kids see writing as expression rather than evaluation.
Key Writing Skills Journaling Builds
Journaling may feel simple, but it strengthens important literacy skills over time:
Fluency: Writing regularly builds ease and stamina
Organization: Responding to prompts helps kids structure ideas
Vocabulary: Kids naturally use new words when writing about real experiences
Voice: Journals allow kids to sound like themselves
These skills transfer naturally into school writing tasks.
Starting Small Makes a Big Difference
Journaling doesn’t need to be long to be effective.
One sentence counts
A list counts
A drawing with a caption counts
Short, consistent writing is far more powerful than occasional long assignments.
Journaling Builds Confidence First
Confidence is often the missing piece in writing development. Journals create a safe space where kids can practice without fear of correction or grades. As confidence grows, so does willingness to write more.
Writing improves when kids feel capable and heard. Journaling creates that foundation by turning writing into a daily, manageable habit—one that supports growth without pressure.
If you’re looking for an easy way to encourage writing at home, a simple, kid-friendly journal can be a great place to begin.
Hearing a child say “I hate reading” can feel discouraging—especially when you know how important literacy is. The good news? That statement usually isn’t about reading itself.
Why Kids Say “I Hate Reading”
Often, kids mean:
“Reading feels hard.”
“I’m afraid of making mistakes.”
“I don’t like being corrected.”
“I don’t connect with the books I’m given.”
Understanding this helps us respond with support instead of pressure.
What Not to Do
Don’t force longer reading sessions
Don’t compare them to other readers
Don’t turn reading into a punishment
These approaches usually deepen resistance.
What Helps Instead
1. Change the Format Try audiobooks, read-alouds, or graphic novels.
2. Lower the Stakes Short reading sessions count. Even 5–10 minutes matters.
4. Offer a Creative Response Instead of asking questions, invite kids to:
Draw a favorite part
Write one sentence
Share a feeling about the story
Journaling as a Gentle Entry Point
Journaling gives kids a way to respond without pressure. There are no wrong answers, no grades—just space to think and express.
“I hate reading” is often a sign that a child needs support, not more instruction. With patience, flexibility, and low-pressure tools, reading can slowly become enjoyable again.
Let’s encourage our kiddos with being okay with making the reading experience a little different so that enjoy it and grow as a reader.
Reading confidence doesn’t come from finishing harder books or reading faster. It comes from feeling safe, capable, and supported as a reader. When kids feel confident, progress naturally follows. If reading time has started to feel stressful in your home, these simple strategies can help rebuild confidence—without pressure.
1. Let Kids Choose What They Read
Choice matters. When kids get to select books that interest them, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Graphic novels, comics, joke books, and rereading favorites all count as real reading.
2. Read Aloud—Even After Kids Can Read
Reading aloud builds vocabulary, models fluency, and removes pressure. It also reminds kids that reading can be enjoyable and relaxing, not just work.
3. Focus on Effort, Not Mistakes
Correcting every word can chip away at confidence. Instead, praise effort:
“I love how you stuck with that page.”
“You didn’t give up—that matters.”
Accuracy improves with time; confidence needs protection now.
4. Encourage Rereading Favorite Books
Rereading builds fluency and familiarity. Kids often understand more deeply the second or third time through a text, which boosts confidence.
5. Add Gentle Reflection After Reading
A short reflection helps kids connect with what they read without turning it into an assignment. One sentence, a drawing, or a quick journal response is enough.
This is where journaling can be especially helpful—giving kids a safe space to respond without worrying about being “right.”
Building reading confidence doesn’t require long sessions or strict rules. Small, supportive habits make a big difference over time.
If you’re looking for an easy way to add reflection and writing without pressure, printable journals can be a great place to start
It has been almost two full years since I last posted on this blog—but I am officially back and excited to be here again!
A fresh season also means a fresh look. The website will be getting a makeover soon, and my new home on the web is www.kgthestoryteller.com.
Going forward, my blog will focus primarily on literacy, as I am currently teaching Middle School Literature and Language Arts—and truly loving it. I’ll be sharing ideas, reflections, and strategies centered on reading, writing, and language development. And, every now and then, there will be a few sprinkles of life, fun, travel, and silliness, too.
My current plan is to publish literacy-focused posts twice a month, during the 2nd and 4th weeks of each month. Be on the lookout for my first literacy post in just a few weeks.
Wishing everyone a very Happy 2026—I’m so glad you’re here.
If you’re a teacher, literacy lover, or lifelong learner, I hope you’ll stick around.
I asked a plethora of people I know whats ONE book they would recommend that everyone should read. Since a lot of the people I know are #BookLovers they did not like that I said only one book. But here is the list we have created!
….multiple people said – THE BIBLE without a doubt – so this is at the top of the list! Next in no particular order is a list of books you should definitely read. And out of the 15 books shared I have only read 6 of them. So between this list and the list on leadership I have lots of options (along with what already in progress in my ibook and my physical books I’ve started). I hope you find this list interesting and find something you would like to read.
1: Homegoing by Yea Gyasi ( Recommended By Kamari)
2: Paradise by Hanya Yangihara (Recommended By Kimber)
3: The Overstay by Richard Powers ( Recommended By Meg S.)
4: A Little Life By, Hanya Yangihara ( Recommended By Mahalia)
5: Kindred BY, Octavia Butler ( Recommended By Althea)
6: Jurassic Park ( Recommended By Nicole)
7: Song of Solomon ( Recommended By Alex Gurley)
8: Prayers for the Stolen by, Jennifer Clement ( Recommended By KG)
9: The Travelers Gift by, Andy Andres (recommended by Jennifer)
10: The Go Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea (recommended by Deatra)
11: As I Lay Dying By, William Faulkner (recommend by Clem)
12/13: People’s History of the United States & The Four Agreements (recommended by Jasmine)
14: Who moved my cheese (recommended by Nicole C)
15: The Alchemist (recommend by Jarvis)
…I am still currently reading REJECTION PROOF – along with a few other books! #readingismyhappyplace
How great are all these books!? So fun to build your at home library or gift a book to a family you know.
Books shared so far:
1: Bubber Goes To Heaven (Arna Bontemps)
2: M is For Melanin (Tiffany Rose)
3: Lesson’s From Ms. K’s Class (Karla M. Gurley)
4: Dear Black Boy (Marcellus Bennett)
5: The Adventures of Aya & Pete (Serena Minott)
6: Hair Love (Matthew A. Cherry)
7: Dream BIG, Little One By: Vashti Harrison
8: I Am Enough By: Grace Byers
Thanks for reading my blog and following my online journey! What are you reading this month?
I am reading: Rejection Proof (No it’s not a book by a Black Author, but I am enjoying it so far). It’s a fun and easy read all about overcoming fear and living boldly.
I missed a week of sharing (due to birthday festivities) so here are two book shares that you may want to check out!
1: The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete By: Serena Minott
The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete tell the stories of a little girl named Aya, who travels the world with her parents and her buddy, Pete. This is a fun series
Hair Love, highlights the relationship of a father and his daughter and his experience doing her hair for the first time. There is a book and a short film to go along with it.
Yes! I am still here celebrating black books! And here is one that is focused on encouraging Black Boys!
Dear Black Boy (Martellus Bennett) is a letter of encouragement to all the brown-skinned boys around the world who feel like sports are all they have. It is a reminder that they are more than athletes, more than a jersey number, more than a great crossover or a forty-time, that the biggest game that they’ll ever play is the game of life, and there are people rooting for them off of the courts and fields, not as athletes, but as future leaders of the world. The same things that make these boys great on whatever playing surface they choose are the same things that will propel them forward in life: mental toughness, dedication, passion, determination, and effort are all things that carry over into the game of life.
^this information taken directly from Amazon^
Though I have not read this book myself I wanted to share it with you all. I am so excited about books written by black authors, and books specifically for black boys. We need to encourage our young boys!
I am 40 today! I do not take for granted that I have been blessed with day.
So today- I bask in the goodness of February 10th! Its a good day to have a good day… and I want to add on to a list I shared before and now I have 40!
In 2021 I shared this list of 38 things so now I have added two more items and I share 40 things… (anything in bold has been added to a previous item)
1:Kindness Matters
2: It’s okay to ask for help
3: There is nothing wrong with saying no. NO IS A COMPLETE SENTENCE
4: Take the trip! Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t because it’s not first class- and 5 Star hotels! Stay in your budget and enjoy. You know when the world is safe of course 😊
5: Do something for yourself once a month. More if you can.
6: Give! It feels good. Research two non-profits in your city/community and donate to each of them once a year. No donation is too small.
7: Drink lots of water!
8: Make time for your family and friends. The world is sick and in a weird place right now. So if it’s Zoom or House Party App or Skype or IG video or whatever you use find the time to slow down and connect with the people who mean a lot to you.
9: Save! It’s important to save. Look at your budget and make a realistic plan for saving for your future
10: Exercise … there are so many ways to keep active. Find what works for you and do that thing.
11: Don’t be afraid to try new things! You might find out something you didn’t know about yourself
12: Read. It’s important to read. Check out authors and genres that are not your usual choice.
13: Laugh! Laugh a lot! It’s good for the soul. Comedy and comedians are subjective but find the ones that work for you and listen to them when you’re having a tough day.
14: Push & Challenge yourself. Last year I hiked with some friends to the top of Yellow Mountain. I never thought I would be able to do that. I did it! What a great experience.
15: Be thankful
16: Get a mentor – I have had mentors in various stages of my life and multiple and one time. There is nothing wrong with getting guidance from someone who has been where you plan on going!
17: Dream very Big AND DON’T STOP DREAMING
18: Learn from your mistakes! I enjoyed the book “Failing Up” The best of the best have made so many mistakes and this is how we get better
19: You spend most of your life at work! Find work that you love and that you are passionate about
20: Work at being a better you
21: Marvel is greater than DC comics (I’m here from Wonder Woman though)
22: Tell the people who are closest to you that you love them. You never know how long you have with them
23: Be flexible in life. Be prepared for change. Your life will constantly change.
24: Learn a second or third language
25: PJ Morton and Anthony Evans are two of the best artists out there. I can listen to their music any day.
26: Tacos are amazing and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, brunch, a quick snack or dinner!
27: The worst someone can say is No. My dad taught me that. Don’t be afraid to ask for things.
28: Demand what you deserve. Do. Not. Settle.
29: Love YOU! Beauty is subjective. Accept who you are and rock it!
30: Stop doing more for others than they would do for you. Have boundaries in your friendships and relationships.
31: Public school is cheaper than private and you will still receive a great education.
32: Never stop learning
33: Be happy & Live from a place of joy as much as possible
34: Keep a little cash tucked away somewhere. I promise it will come in handy one day.
38: Believe in something greater than you. I am a believer- CHRIST FOLLOWER. It is such a big part of my life. Pray.
39: Buy the shoes- YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM!
40: Document your experiences and memories! Take pictures. Take videos. Make reels. Email them to yourself. Print some! I love when Facebook shows me my memories, or my stories come back on IG, or even when my photos give me. We will not get these years back! Enjoy your days.
I’m entering 40- thankful, smiling, and full of joy – expecting nothing but greatness for my life!
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
*I choose ADVENTURE*
Years later I’m still smiling like this picture and I’m thrilled about life and all that it hold for me. This 4T year is going to be good to me! Happy Birthday To Me!
…also! its a very good day to support me and my book! Lesson’s from Ms. K’s Class can be found using this link. Currently my book is available in e-version and print options coming soon!
M IS FOR MELANIN: I am so excited about this book to share because a good of my friend is the author of this book!
This book can easily be found on Amazon & I am sharing a link below if you want to add it to your collection.
M is for Melanin is an empowering alphabet book that teaches kids their ABC and celebrates black children. Each letter of the alphabet contains affirming, black-positive messages, from E is for Empowerment, to L is for Lead to W is for Worthy. This joyful book, written and illustrated by Tiffany Rose, teaches children their ABC and encourages all kids to love the skin they’re in. M is for Melanin shining in every inch of your skin. Every shade, every hue. All beautiful and unique.
I absolutely love celebrating #blackwomen who are doing amazing things, but it is even that more exciting when you get to celebrate someone you know. Tiffany Rose is a friend and one of the sweetest people I know. Such a beautiful person with a jovial spirit that just makes you want to spend time with her. I am so happy to share this book of hers! I have it at home and I hope you add it to your at home library too!
How lucky am I to know this author?! She is fantastic.
FEARLESS in SHANGHAI 