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Category: Elementary

  • Females Supporting Females

    Females Supporting Females

    As young children it seems much easier to get along with others. You befriend new playmates on the playground in minutes. Neighbourhood kids are among our closest allies. Differences aren’t noticed as quickly. Judgements aren’t made as fast. But somewhere along the way, this changes. As you will grow, your interactions with peers will change. By the time you reach middle school or high school it may feel like you are in constant competition with each other.

    Friends gossip to each other constantly; sometimes even about each other. What is she wearing? Why does she wear so much make-up? Why doesn’t she ever wear make-up? She dresses too provocatively. She flirts too much. She’s such a tom-boy. She’s too tall, or too short; too smart, too dumb; too cocky, too shy, too fat, too skinny. It’s all just too much. You may find yourself feeling as though it is impossible to live up to other girl’s standards.

    As a girl growing into a woman, you need to support your peers, rather than ban against them. You need to build each other up, not tear each other down. There is a lot of pressure put on girls and women to act a certain way. They should be nice but not too nice. They should know how to take charge, but not be too bossy. Don’t be a bully, but don’t let others walk all over you. This continues from adolescence into adulthood. Lots of women feel compelled to “have it all”… careers, families, social lives etc. They feel the need to be successful at their jobs, take care of the kids, cook, clean, car pool, go out with their friends and support their life partner; to be both traditional and non-traditional at the same time. With all of the pressure that is put on females, it’s important that you have the support of your peers. This starts with how you treat each other. You need to let go of the girl versus girl mentality, not holding each other to stereotypes about what you both “should” and “shouldn’t” do, or “should” and “shouldn’t” look like.

    Here are a few things you can do to be more supportive of other females:

    • Make a conscious effort not to be part of the drama anymore.
    • Make encouraging comments rather than discouraging ones.
    • Only be competitive when it’s appropriate (competition isn’t necessarily a bad thing). As long as it’s not done out of jealousy, judgement, fear or anger.
    • Be a mentor or role model for younger girls in your life.
    • Don’t judge or criticize others and the choices they make.
    • Inspire others to do their best.
    • If someone is struggling be there to help them up. Don’t keep pushing them back down.
    • Empower each other.
    • Don’t use boys and relationships as a weapon against each other.
    • Don’t retaliate if someone says or does something to hurt you. Instead try to understand why they said or did it.
    • Stop calling each other slurs. What you say matters. Kinder words equal kinder actions.

    A quote by Rosa Parks (often considered the “first lady of civil rights”) says it perfectly, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” When you can do this, you can work together; when you empower instead of put down, everyone can benefit.

     

     

  • Cursive Writing: A Dying Art in School

    Cursive Writing: A Dying Art in School

    With the modern popularity of computers, tablets, and smartphones changing the way people communicate, there is also the consequence of fewer people knowing how to use cursive writing. On the larger scale, this is partly because many people no longer regularly write by hand, and partly because in many places this skill is no longer taught in elementary school. While it is somewhat understandable that the focus is on typing and computers, given that more and more communication tasks are becoming digital, there are nevertheless some downsides to the loss of cursive writing.

    Learning and using cursive writing has many benefits.   Typing does not offer much feedback to the brain, so there is a better connection in the brain between the information and the physical act of handwriting, because handwriting engages circuits in the brain that typing with a keyboard simply does not. Cursive handwriting is a complex skill that affects and engages cognitive development, visual, motor and memory circuits, and hand-eye coordination. With the decline of learning cursive at a young age, there can potentially be a detrimental effect on people, such as taking longer to perfect these fine motor skills. There is also a strong scientific and psychological following that the use of handwriting affects how deeply and expressively people are able to understand and communicate their thoughts and ideas.

    There are of course many practical considerations to learning cursive writing skills. One of these is to develop your own unique written signature for signing documents. While there is an increased trend toward digital signatures and biometrics such as fingerprint scanning, the unique identifier of a written signature is still valuable.

    As well, there are still many times you will encounter situations in which using a computer, keyboard, or other electronic device is simply not an option; as a student, most of these will come in the form of in-class midterms and final exams, which are typically still handwritten. Especially in writing-heavy courses, time is of the essence when you have to complete essay answers and other written work in only an hour or two. Writing in cursive is much, much faster than printing, and can make the difference between being able to get all your answers down, or running out of time with questions and discussion points still unfinished.

    If you never learned cursive, it’s not too late! All you need is a guide of the letterforms, and then it’s just practice, practice, practice by forcing yourself to write in cursive all the time. Before long, it will be as natural as breathing! And if seeing fancy handwriting seems intimidating, just remember that no one expects perfect letters, loops and joins all the time; rather, learning cursive will allow you to develop a fast, easy, and personal writing style all your own!

    SOURCES:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cursive

    http://2machines.com/180907/

    http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/long-held-tradition-cursive-handwriting-slowly-dying-america/

  • Introversion and Extroversion: Differences and Similarities

    Introversion and Extroversion: Differences and Similarities

    Suppose that your school organized a party and invited all of the students, teachers, and other staff members to come. You would soon notice people’s personality differences from observing how people interacted with each other. The extraverts would likely come at the beginning and stay to the end, and they would enjoy talking and laughing with people. Introverts, on the other hand, would likely come late, stay in a corner, or maybe not come at all. Do you think that these two personality types can work together? Of course, those are very stereotypical takes on introversive and extroversive people. Characteristics of those stereotypes are in the process of being broken down and studied by psychological professionals and sociologists.

    How people interact with others and where they get their energy can indicate the difference between extraverts and introverts. However, you can be a mixture of both in some cases- this means you have a very diverse personality. Generally, though, extraverts enjoy being with other people and are good at collaboration and chatting about their lives and work. They get their energy from interactions with other people. Extraverts who work as public speakers will probably also enjoy talking with audience members after the lecture to discuss their ideas.

    Introverts can also be good at talking and interacting with others, but they work differently from extraverts. If introverts become public speakers, for example, they are likely to prepare their talks beforehand and to stick to their plan. Informal conversations after the official lecture is likely to cause stress, but they can learn to manage their anxiety if necessary.

    Quiet people are often overlooked, possibly because they like to think before they speak. Sometimes, however, being an introvert is an advantage, especially in jobs that require concentration, independent thought, and creativity. People who need constant interaction with others are unlikely to succeed in these areas.

    Many famous people have been introverts. J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, is an introvert who needed solitude to concentrate on writing her fiction series (as it goes for most writers). Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, is also an introvert, and the famous scientist, Albert Einstein, also preferred to be alone rather than with other people. Many very successful people have used their preference for quietness and planning to accomplish some amazing things.

    Despite their strengths, introverts are still likely to hear from family, teachers, or employers that they should be more extraverted. Can people really change their personalities? Some scientists believe that introversion and extraversion is part of people’s physical make-up, just like being tall or short. Introverts can work on their social skills, but they are unlikely ever to be completely comfortable in large crowds. Similarly, extraverts can try to depend less on other people’s approval, but they will likely never be entirely comfortable being alone.

    Do you love being around other people or do you prefer to be alone? Whatever your personality type, you can learn to draw on the strengths that you have to succeed in your chosen career and to make a difference in the world.

    Bibliography:

    Gallagher, Michelle. “The difference Between Introvert and Extraverts.” https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199907/the-difference-between-introverts-and-extroverts

    Hall, Alena. “10 Ways Introverts Interact Differently With The World.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/07/physical-behavior-of-introverts_n_6069438.html

    Kaufman, Scott Barry. “Will the Real Introverts Please Stand Up?” http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/will-the-real-introverts-please-stand-up/.

    Myers-Briggs.org. “Extraversion or Introversion.” http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/extraversion-or-introversion.htm.

    Schocker, Laura. “16 Outrageously Successful Introverts.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/13/famous-introverts_n_3733400.html.

     

  • Are You the Subject of a Nasty Gossip? How to Turn Things Around

    Are You the Subject of a Nasty Gossip? How to Turn Things Around

    Today, gossiping can be considered a national pastime. There are several reasons why people gossip. One is that people who engage in gossip feel privileged. Imagine seeing your not-so-favorite teacher in the middle of the road with a flat tire, cursing like a sailor. You can’t wait to share this with those who feel the same way about that teacher. It’s like you have the inside scoop and you’re telling everyone that this not-so-favorite teacher is not prim and proper after all.

    Another reason why people spread gossip is so they can feel better about themselves. Just picture getting into an exclusive movie premiere and you see a girl you don’t really like waiting desperately at the door to get in. You may feel it is not enough to see her like that—you want your friends to know you saw her in that situation, and you will probably even make something up, like she was being hysterical and bawling like a baby.

    However, what happens when you become the subject of a hurtful gossip? You’ll probably realize then, that gossip has an ugly side. Here are three ways to turn things around when the shoe is on the other foot:

    1) Find people who have your back. Don’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, talk to family, friends, and classmates who know the real you. Don’t hold anything back. Tell them that you are hurt by the rumor, and they will most likely provide you a shoulder to cry on. Eventually, with the right amount of support, you will find the strength to move forward.

    2) Confront the person who is spreading the rumor. If you have a clear idea of who is spreading gossip about you, talk to that person in a calm manner. Don’t flare up since this reaction may be something that he or she is waiting for. Instead, try to figure out why they are doing what they are doing and explain your side of the story. It could have been a simple case of miscommunication or misunderstanding.

    3) Let it die a natural death. If the gossip isn’t going away even after you have talked to the person who is spreading it, it would probably be best to ignore it and move on. At times, silence is the best defense. However, it is a different story when you feel you are being bullied; report the person to school authorities ASAP. Eventually, gossip that doesn’t elicit a reaction will die a natural death. What you can do for the meantime is to avoid gossiping yourself and lead by example. Remember to THINK when you feel the urge to gossip about other people. Is the story Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary, and Kind? If it is not any of these things, then stop.

    SOURCES:

    http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-science-of-gossip/

    http://www.2knowmyself.com/How_to_deal_with_people_who_gossip_about_you

    http://www.wsj.com/articles/what-to-do-when-you-are-the-subject-of-office-gossip-1412701581

    http://inspire99.com/10-deeper-ways-to-deal-with-a-rumor-gossip/

    http://www.youngandraw.com/how-to-deal-with-negative-people-gossip-in-a-positive-way/

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200810/the-8-laws-rumor-spread

  • Different Ways to Learn

    Different Ways to Learn

    GROUP WORK! It’s a popular form of instruction and it’s not going away. But it can be one of the most frustrating things about school. It can be difficult to work with people sometimes, but maybe there’s a reason for that. Consider that everyone learns and applies learning in different ways.

    People tend to develop a way of learning that works for them, and each way has weaknesses and strengths. Different styles of learning were categorized in the Learning Style Inventory, developed by educational psychologist David Kolb and his colleagues. He identified four learning styles that correspond with a person’s preference for learning behaviours. Of course these aren’t the only ways that people learn, but it offers a neat system of labels that may help when you are landed with yet another group project.

    Kolb’s Learning Styles

    • Converger: These learners do best when they can apply what they learn in a practical setting. They like to work with “what if’s” and with things rather than people. Often these types of learners will choose to specialize in a technical subject like engineering.
    • Diverger: People who draw from this learning behaviour like to see complicated scenarios from many viewpoints. They can draw from imagination, empathy, and an interest in people. These learners often head towards the humanities in careers like counselors, or sociologists.
    • Assimilator: People who use this learning style are very good at creating theoretical models of problems. Like convergers, they are concerned with the practical application of a model, but they’re more interested in making sure the theory fits the facts logically. This style is more characteristic of people in mathematics, or theoretical physics.
    • Accommodator: Here we see learners who prefer to learn by doing things, often by trial and error as the situation arises. They get fully involved in new experiences, and if the theory doesn’t fit, they discard it in favour of a new one. This style of learning will be seen often in people who move into sales, marketing or entrepreneurship.

    If you look around the group you’re assigned with, you can probably find each kind of learner. Is there someone who loves to jump right in to a situation without a plan? Accommodator! How about the person who acts as mediator in arguments, seeing both sides of the situation? Diverger! Who else can you think of that fits into these learning styles? Sometimes people will fit into more than one, or all four. You can still identify their strongest style.

    Using your knowledge of each kind of learning style, you can begin to apply it in the next group project. Perhaps the diverger will be best suited to brainstorming and taking minutes. How about assigning the accommodator to be the presenter? This is just a broad overview of the theory behind learning behaviours, but opening your mind to the idea that everyone learns in their own way, you can begin to understand how to work with others; a skill that will follow you through your entire life.

    Reference: The Art of Teaching Adults: How to Become an Exceptional Instructor and Facilitator by Peter Renner, 2005.

  • Can’t Go Offline? Three Smart Tips for Online Safety

    Can’t Go Offline? Three Smart Tips for Online Safety

    Can you imagine life without the Internet? While it offers advantages when it comes to learning and communication, it also gives a way to possible danger. It’s likely for you to come across people with bad intentions in forums, online communities, and social networking sites. These people prey on the youth’s desire for a sense of belonging, acceptance, romance, or sexual curiosity. These malicious people would pretend to offer a sympathetic ear, but in actuality, they are practicing emotional manipulation. An online relationship may ensue that could possibly lead to a physical meeting in the future. In the online kingdom, everyone can be anonymous if they choose to be, so predators can be anyone. A CBC.ca report last April states a 16-year-old boy lured young girls into having online romantic relationships with him.

    As such, whenever you go online and talk to people other than your relatives, friends, or classmates, consider these wise tips to ensure your safety:

    1) Watch out for signs of predatory behavior.

    It is okay to engage in conversations and chat about common interests like favorite or most hated subjects, music, movies, and TV. It is not okay when you are asked things like “What are your best features?” or “What do people like about your physical appearance?” While these questions sound casual, they can lead to completely inappropriate questions or requests. As such, once you find yourself even a bit uncomfortable, stop the conversation, and log off.

    2) Set your privacy settings correctly.

    For sure, your parents or friends have warned you about posting your home address and phone number in your social networking accounts, and they are right. Another thing to remember though is that when you post a status or a photo, make sure that only your friends or followers can see it. And while it is tempting to use the “check-in” feature and tag the pals you are with when you are in an exclusive event and such, it is best to avoid this. Remember, whenever you tag anyone, those who are connected to them will see your post. For instance, if your buddy’s classmate from years ago has been obsessed with you for years and sees that check-in post, you may get a stalker in return.

    3) Don’t take pictures you don’t want your parents/grandparents to see.

    Taking selfies are fun, but when they end up in the wrong hands, you would probably think twice about taking them in the first place. You may have the trickiest PIN code or password there is but keep in mind these cybercriminals probably have the sophisticated technology to hack into your gadgets and take whatever they find there. Let last year’s celebrity hacking scandal serve as a lesson. The bottom line is, technology is continuously evolving and so are cyberhackers, so always think twice before clicking to take that selfie.

    So how do you ensure your safety online? Well, you don’t have to go back to the dark ages and throw out your iPhone or laptop. All you have to do is be aware of your surroundings, what you say, and what you post. You don’t have to share everything with everyone all the time. Be mysterious and take pride in your privacy!

    SOURCES:

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-child-porn-case-highlights-dangers-of-online-friendships-1.3028837

    http://www.netsmartz.org/InternetSafety

    http://www.covenanteyes.com/2012/01/03/7-dangers-of-the-internet-for-kids/

    https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/5-myths-and-truths-about-kids-internet-safety-122964460683.html

    http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/03/internet-children-parents-safety

    http://nobullying.com/dangers-of-the-internet/

     

  • Taking Care of Reptiles

    Taking Care of Reptiles

    Do you know what snakes, turtles, and lizards have in common? They’re all reptiles, and they can all be found in Canada. Whether they live in the wild, in zoos, or as pets in people’s homes, these animals are a very common part of our world.

    You might think of reptiles as tropical animals, but every continent except Antarctica has at least a few reptiles. Almost all of these animals are cold-blooded, meaning that they don’t produce their own heat but need rays of the sun or a lamp to stay warm. People who keep reptiles as pets have to remember to provide a source of warmth which will keep the animal from freezing.

    Almost all reptile species hatch from eggs instead of being born live, including the turtles, snakes, and lizards that live in Canada. Although some snakes in the United States and other parts of the world are poisonous, none of Canada’s reptiles can do much harm to people. However, one problem for owners of snakes and lizards is that the animals often try to escape, meaning that the cages have to be very well made.

    Getting a reptile as a pet can be a very long-term commitment, especially since some turtles and tortoises can live for more than one hundred years. These animals can become very friendly with people, but they can often seem much less affectionate than pets like dogs or birds. When they are afraid, they might run and hide, change colour to camouflage, hiss, or bite anyone who is nearby. Taking care of a reptile as a pet can help you acquire and practice responsibility. Just like remembering your homework deadlines at school every day, you must remember to feed your pet reptile- maybe you can even bring them for show and tell!

    One very obvious difference between reptiles and other animals is that reptiles are covered with either scales like a snake or a hard, bony shell that helps to protect them from injury. Turtles, for example, can retreat into their shells whenever they sense danger, and lizards have scales to protect them from harm.

    Keeping a reptile as a pet might sound exciting, but it can be a lot of work. Some animals might refuse to eat processed reptile food from a store, and pet owners can spend a lot of time looking for fresh insects or finding other live food for their animals. Many reptiles end up being given away or abandoned because their owners changed their minds about keeping these very unusual pets.

    Even if you prefer not to have a reptile as a pet, you can spend time watching them at a zoo or anywhere else where you can observe their behaviour. Despite the often odd and mysterious way they look and act, these animals can provide a fascinating insight into the animal world- check them out, and don’t be afraid!

    Bibliography:

    Canadian Herpetological Society. “Key to the Reptiles of Canada.”

    http://www.carcnet.ca/english/reptiles/key/rkey1.php.

    Kaplan, Melissa. “Reptiles as Pets.”

    https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/other-pet-adoption/reptiles-as-pets/.

    Science Kids. “Fun Reptile Facts for Kids.” http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/reptile.html.

    Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Fun facts about reptiles and amphibians. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/.

  • Career Profile: Dairy Herder

    Career Profile: Dairy Herder

    Imagine a job that may require you to feed cattle or goats, help sick animals and repair machinery. The hours vary widely and include both day and night work. Some people in this job even live and work at the same place; these people are dairy herders. Being a dairy herder can involve many different tasks, but the basic job is taking care of animals and making sure that they have the food and water that they need. Herders might also assist veterinarians, do basic maintenance of buildings and machines, and supervise other farm workers. They help to keep our dairy, meat and fur industries running.

    With experience, dairy herders can increase their level of responsibility in able to earn more money. A dairy herder’s salary is usually between $13 and $20, and the work can be physically tiring, especially in bad weather. However, the chance to work outside the city is a benefit for anyone who loves nature and has skills working with animals.

    Many of the skills that dairy herders need come with experience and natural ability, but a university degree in a field like agriculture or animal behaviour can be helpful. Information on some of the specific requirements is available at the Canadian Dairy Information Centre or from a local farmer.

    Learning to understand animals and to deal with their problems is an important part of being a dairy herder. Volunteering to work on a farm on the weekends might be a place to start. Dairy herders have to learn to be comfortable around all kinds of animals and to be able to understand their moods and know how to handle them.

    Cattle are the most common source of milk in North America, although sheep and goats are also part of the dairy industry. If you work as a dairy herder, you will have to learn to work with large animals that will not always do what you want. You will have to learn how to understand animals and to find out how to make them happy and cooperative. Learning about animal behaviour in an educational institution would be an asset. Formal education in an area such as animal care is useful, although employers might be willing to hire someone with more hands-on experience.

    Besides the daily tasks of feeding and milking the animals, herders might also need to clean barns and care for newborns. Dairy herders might need to solve difficult problems when they help sick animals or recapture ones that have escaped from where they are kept. On large farms, some dairy herders might have to supervise other workers and learn how to keep everything running.

    Becoming a dairy herder might be difficult for people who have grown up in the city, but it can be a good job for anyone who loves the outdoors and can work with animals.

    Bibliography:

    The Canadian Dairy Information Centre. “About Us.”

    http://www.dairyinfo.gc.ca/index_e.php?s1=cdi-ilc.

    Careers.org. “Occupation Profile for Farmworkers, Farm and Ranch Animals.”

    http://www.careers.org/occupations/45-2093.00/farmworkers-farm-and-ranch-animals.

    Dairy Farmers of Canada. “Animal Health and Welfare.”

    http://www.dairyfarmers.ca/what-we-do/animal-health-and-welfare.

    Ferrier, Donna. “Herdsman Job Description.”

    http://www.ehow.com/about_6468360_herdsman-job-description.html.

    Indeed.com. “Dairy Herdsperson.”

    http://ca.indeed.com/cmp/Shelter-Valley-Land-and-Cattle/jobs/Dairy-Herdsperson-d7033f438a0c92cc.

  • What Kinds of Jobs are in Agriculture?

    What Kinds of Jobs are in Agriculture?

    If someone asks you to name a job in agriculture, chances are the first thing to come to mind is farming. When you are interested in agriculture, but working on a traditional animal or crop farm is not the type of work you wish to do, it can be difficult to learn what other options are available. Luckily, these days there are many different jobs in the agricultural industry besides farming.

    Food Scientists ensure that food production is safe and healthy, and help to develop new foods and other agricultural products. They often go to university and study subjects including chemistry, biology, and genetics. These scientists study things like food allergies, reasons why food goes bad and how to prevent this, or how to make processed foods healthier, more nutritious, and better tasting.

    Agricultural Officers work to ensure research laboratories and outdoor field production follow municipal, provincial, and national regulatory standards. They will also conduct investigations when a company disobeys the regulations, act as consultants, and give advice to companies and government agencies.

    Plant or Animal Biologists work in research labs studying ways to use, grow, and protect our food crops and animals, or in civilian and government positions working to affect legislature and laws. Research can include how to fight plant or animal pests and diseases that can affect food production, and ways to help food crops grow faster or in poor conditions.

    Inspectors with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspect and certify industrial food production and processes, to ensure they comply with sanitary production, and other health and safety regulations.

    Veterinarians are important members of the agricultural field, specializing in produce animals such as cattle, chickens and other birds, and pigs, to ensure that they are healthy and well-treated. They will also advise on matters of public safety, such as disease control.

    Hydroponic and Aeroponic Farmers are related to traditional farmers, but use special techniques to grow plants with little or no soil, and often indoors. Hydroponic farming works by having the plants grow in pots or containers with their roots in a water mixture containing minerals and nutrients. Aeroponic techniques are similar, but have the plants’ roots hanging into an empty space or container, where they are surrounded by a fine mist of nutrient-rich water. This type of farming is becoming very popular, because they can produce a large volume of food crops with very little land requirements, as since these are typically indoors, a hydroponic farm can operate inside a building with several floors, each dedicated to different crops if desired.

    Horticulture and Landscaping Technicians grow primarily non-crop plants, usually for ornamental indoor and outdoor use, and are responsible for breeding, growing, planting, and maintaining them. They can work at greenhouses, landscaping companies, golf courses, or municipal and regional parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.

    Sources:

    Government of Canada Job Bank – Explore Careers by Occupation

    http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/occupation_search

     

  • The Benefits of Keeping a Journal

    If you are looking for a new activity to engage in this summer, consider starting a journal. Keeping a personal journal is a great way to create a reminder of all your summertime fun. By creating a journal, you can look back on all the memories you made with friends and family during the summer.

    Whether your summer will be jam-packed with travel and adventure or laid-back with hobbies and family, a journal is a great place to write about what you’re doing, thinking, and feeling. You can even include mementos of your experiences, such as photos and drawings, or keepsakes like the ticket stub from an event or a pressed leaf from a camping trip. You can look back through your summer journal whenever you want to remind yourself of the fun you had, or take it and share with trusted friends.

    But don’t just do a journal for the summer – keep it going! Having a private place to express your personal thoughts and feelings, whether they are happy ones or sad ones, is great for your mental health by letting you “get it all out”. This will help you work through your thoughts and feelings about the events going on in your life, so that you can understand yourself and the situation better.

    You can also use your journal to get a great self-esteem boost. By recording the great things that happen to you, and the successful things you do or participate in, you will remind yourself how unique and talented you are. Then you can look back through your journal for motivation, to remind yourself how good you felt at achieving your goals, or just to cheer yourself up when you’re having a bad day.

    Lastly, keeping a regular journal will help increase your creativity just by giving you somewhere to practice your thinking, writing, and communication skills. Whether you engage in other creative hobbies or not, the ability to think creatively and communicate clearly will serve you through your entire life.

    You can keep a journal in many different ways, so try various methods until you find one that works best for you. The most common is a paper notebook or hardbound journal and pen, great for those who like the feeling of a pen and paper, and feel connected to their words when they write things by hand. If you prefer technology, it is easy to keep a journal in a text document on your computer, or there are many mobile apps to help you keep a journal on your phone or tablet device. Just remember to keep it simple – the benefit is from the writing, not the medium or technology used to hold your thoughts.