Practice being kind to yourself by making this customized Self-Esteem Journal and using the writing prompts to explore all the things you like about being you.  Journal kits are available at the library while supplies last.

Kit Supplies Provided:

  • Notebook
  • Brown cardstock
  • Hexagon stencil
  • List of writing prompts (on back of instruction sheet)

Home Supplies Needed:

  • Liquid glue
  • Scissors
  • Paper images (see step 1 below)

Instructions:

  1. Hunt! Look around your house for paper images that you won’t mind you cutting up. Check with your family members before cutting up any images you find around the house. You can use old photos that you have multiple copies of, pages of old magazines, images you find online and print out at home, pages from old books, etc. Try to find images that remind you of yourself, the things you enjoy doing or looking at, or things that just plain make you feel good about yourself and excited to write in your journal.
  2. Trace! Use the hexagon, or six-sided, stencil in your craft supply kit to trace shapes onto your chosen images. To figure out how many images you will need, you can use the stencil to trace hexagons onto the brown paper in your desired pattern. You can also choose to leave spaces blank to create your own drawings with marker or colored pencil, glue a non-hexagon-shaped image, or write text on your notebook cover, like your name. The possibilities are endless!
  3. Cut! Cut out your images.
  4. Glue! Glue each of your images to the brown paper, then glue the brown paper to the front of your notebook and let everything dry. To make sure your images and notebook cover dry nicely without any air bubbles, you can read the below instructions for how use the glue or watch the video for this craft to see a demonstration.
    • Best way to apply glue:
      • Shake the glue bottle upside down to get the glue into the tip of the bottle.
      • Tilt the glue bottle at a 45 degree angle and squeeze gently onto the center of the paper.
      • As the glue starts to come out, make small circle motions with the glue bottle to spread the glue evenly around the surface of the image. Stop applying glue about 1/8 of an inch from the edges of the paper to prevent glue from seeping out on the sides.
      • Smooth the paper down with your hands using firm pressure to get rid of any air bubbles.
  1. Write! This journal can be used for any writing or drawing projects you would like, but we wanted to include some self-esteem writing prompts if you want this to be a Self-Esteem Journal. These prompts are designed to help you remind yourself of the many reasons you have to be proud of who you are. Whenever the urge to write strikes you, flip this instruction sheet over to find the writing prompts and let those creative juices flow!

25 Self-Esteem Journal Writing Prompts

Credit:

  • Journal Buddies – 52 Journal Prompts for Kids on Self Esteem & Confidence
  • Very Special Tales – Writing Prompts for Kids: 45 Gratitude, Self-Esteem & Confidence, and Creative Writing Prompt Ideas
  • Positive Psychology – Self-Esteem Journals, Prompts, PDFs and Ideas
  • What is your greatest talent?
  • List ten things you love about yourself.
  • Write about a time when you did something you were afraid to try. How did you feel afterward?
  • Dream about your perfect day. But make it somewhat realistic. Describe what you would do, who you would be with, and what it would feel like.
  • How do you feel when someone gives you a compliment?
  • Write down five things that define who you are, listing them as “I am ____,” statements. Take a few minutes to think about each one. Which quality feels the best?
  • Write about a person you admire. What qualities do you have in common with this person?
  • What is your favorite thing to do? How do you feel when you work on this activity?
  • What types of things make you feel confident? How can you help others feel more confident?
  • Do you spend time worrying about what other people think? How does this feel? What does it feel like when someone recognizes something you worked hard to do?
  • What do you do when you see a classmate struggling with something?
  • Write a poem that describes the feeling of confidence.
  • Write about three things that make you happy. How can you spend more time on these things each day?
  • Write about your greatest success.
  • Why is it important to congratulate people who do well?
  • Write a letter to your future self.
  • List five things you have done and are proud of.
  • Think of something that you would like to do better. How can you work to improve?
  • Write about a time when you made a great choice.
  • Why is it important to spend time with people who appreciate your best qualities?
  • List three things in your life that you are grateful for and provide details about why. How have they impacted you physically, mentally, or emotionally?
  • Self-esteem is not just about success. It’s also about realizing our efforts, determination, dedication, and persistence are part of the process and great attributes to develop. Think of a recent challenge you were faced with and how you persisted despite the outcome.
  • Reflect on people in your life that truly matter. Think about the relationship you have with them and why it is meaningful. Write about how they have impacted you as well as how you have affected them.
  • Write about qualities that make you unique. This is often harder than focusing on our strengths. But reflect on this and provide examples.
  • Write about your ideal future and achieving goals. Include attributes, skills, and resources you have that will help make this possible.

– Haley, Youth Services Assistant