Writing in a journal every day has numerous benefits for kids of all ages. It influences them to build skills, explore ideas, work out problems and express themselves.

Journaling is a tool, and a Code Journal is a tool for anyone who uses technology to improve their coding and work/hobby life.

Why Write a Coding Journal?

Coding journals can:

● Streamline your thoughts

If you want to remember to do something and organize your thoughts, pen them down. Using a Code journal for this means that you won’t lose that vitally important Post-It note with your world-changing idea scribbled on it. Your brain will thank you for letting it think, instead of remembering.

● Articulate ideas

Students write about their creative plans, list coding steps, document their work, and/or set realistic goals. Rather than jumping right in and starting to write code, journals can be a tool to plan and organize animations, stories, or games.

● Build coding skills

When natural language is used to express the actions that are to be translated into coding language, understanding and retention is enhanced. As they write on their own, students build a firm foundation for problem solving.

● Problem solving

Students need to record their success and failure stories along with the code in the journal. When students are stuck, they can turn to a coding journal to figure out a solution.

● Reflect and track progress

A student can write down all the attempts made to solve a problem in a journal. When the journal is reviewed afterwards, it is a progress report of all the knowledge gained and growth achieved. This is authentic evidence of learning. Written communication of ideas can enable a student become more innovative utilizing their new skills.