My Journal
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How Best To Use This Book
- Find a quiet and comfortable space where you and your child can read together.
- Use the prompt sheet at the front of the book to understand the purpose and instructions for effective reading.
- Encourage your child to engage with the story, ask questions, and share their thoughts and feelings.
- Make use of the comprehension questions, relatable story, frequently asked questions, and activity provided at the end of the book to reinforce understanding and enhance the learning experience.
General Tips for Reading:
- Use expressive and engaging voices to bring the characters and story to life.
- Pause during the reading to allow your child to absorb the information and ask questions.
- Take breaks to discuss the illustrations and relate them to your child’s own experiences.
- Encourage your child to participate by repeating key phrases or actions mentioned in the book.
At the End of the Book:
- Comprehension Questions: Test your child’s understanding of the book by asking questions related to the story, characters, and themes.
- Relatable Story: Share a relatable story that reinforces the importance of prayer and its impact on daily life, helping your child connect the book’s message to their own experiences.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Find answers to common questions children might have about prayer, allowing you to address any curiosities and deepen their understanding.
- Activity: Engage your child in an interactive activity related to the book, which encourages hands-on learning and further exploration of prayer concepts.
Comprehension Questions:
- Who is the main character of the story?
- What does Sofia learn about prayer from her mom?
- What actions do Sofia and her mom perform during prayer?
- Why is prayer described as a gift in the book?
- How does Sofia feel when she prays?
Relatable Story
Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Yusuf who discovered a special journal, just like yours. Yusuf was excited to start using the journal because he knew it would help him grow and learn every day.
In the beginning, Yusuf drew a picture of himself in the journal. It made him feel proud to see his own illustration and know that the journal was all about him. He also filled the jar illustration with little notes about the things he loved, like his favourite toys and activities.
Every morning, Yusuf woke up and looked at the feelings chart in his journal. He could choose a colour that matched how he was feeling that day. Some days he felt happy and excited, while other days he felt a little bit sad or tired. Yusuf liked using the colours to express his emotions and understand himself better.
As Yusuf flipped through the pages of his journal, he found a space to write his goals for the day. He thought about what he wanted to achieve and how he could make it happen. Sometimes his goals were about being kind to others or learning something new. Yusuf knew that writing down his goals would help him stay focused and motivated.
Throughout the day, Yusuf would write his affirmations in the journal. These were positive statements that reminded him of his strengths and capabilities. He would say things like, “I am brave” or “I can do anything I set my mind to.” These affirmations made him feel confident and ready to take on any challenge that came his way.
At the end of each day, Yusuf reflected on what he had learned. He wrote about the new things he discovered, the interesting facts he heard, and the lessons he learned from his experiences. This helped him remember all the wonderful things he had encountered and encouraged him to keep seeking knowledge.
As Yusuf continued using the journal, he also learned the importance of gratitude. He would think about the people who were kind to him and write down what he was grateful for. It could be a simple act of kindness from a friend or a smile from a stranger. Expressing gratitude made Yusuf appreciate the beauty of life and the goodness around him.
Through his journey with the journal, Yusuf realized that it was more than just a book filled with pages. It was his personal companion, guiding him to grow, learn, and make each day count. The journal became a part of his daily routine, helping him develop a positive mindset, set goals, express his feelings, and appreciate the blessings in his life.
And so, Yusuf continued his journaling adventure, knowing that with every page he filled, he was becoming the best version of himself, one day at a time.
Questions Children Ask?
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about prayer that children may have:
- Why do I need to draw a picture of myself in the journal?
Answer: Drawing a picture of yourself helps make the journal unique to you. It’s like creating your own special character in the book. Plus, it’s fun to see your own illustration every time you open the journal!
- What are affirmations, and why do I write them?
Answer: Affirmations are positive statements that help you believe in yourself and your abilities. By writing affirmations, you remind yourself of your strengths and build self-confidence. It’s like giving yourself a pep talk and setting a positive tone for the day.
- Why do I have to write down my goals every day?
Answer: Writing down your goals helps you stay focused and motivated. It gives you something to work towards and reminds you of what you want to achieve. It’s exciting to see how you can make progress and accomplish your goals step by step!
- How does the feelings chart help me?
Answer: The feelings chart is a way for you to express how you’re feeling each day. It’s normal to have different emotions, and the chart helps you understand and identify them. By using colours to represent your feelings, you can better communicate and reflect on your emotions.
- What is the purpose of the gratitude section?
Answer: The gratitude section is a special space for you to appreciate and acknowledge the good things in your life. It’s a way to cultivate a grateful mindset and focus on the positive. By recognizing the kindness of others and the blessings you have, you’ll develop a sense of gratitude and happiness.
Interactive Activity
Here’s an activity related to the book that encourages hands-on learning and exploration:
Activity: Gratitude Jar
Materials needed:
– Mason jar or any clear container
– Coloured paper or sticky notes
– Pens or markers
– Journal
Instructions:
- Introduce the concept of gratitude to your child by explaining that it is about feeling thankful for the good things in our lives.
- Set up a gratitude jar by placing the empty jar in a visible and accessible place.
- Together with your child, cut the coloured paper or sticky notes into small strips.
- Encourage your child to think of things they are grateful for and write them down on the strips of paper. They can write one thing they are grateful for on each strip.
- Help your child fold each strip of paper and place it inside the gratitude jar.
- Discuss with your child the importance of expressing gratitude regularly. Explain that whenever they feel grateful for something, they can write it down and add it to the jar.
- Encourage your child to decorate the jar with stickers, ribbons, or drawings to make it visually appealing.
- Every once in a while, sit down with your child and read some of the gratitude notes from the jar. Discuss the positive feelings associated with each gratitude entry.
- Encourage your child to reflect on their blessings and express gratitude in their journal. They can write about why they are grateful for each item or experience.
- Over time, the gratitude jar will fill up, serving as a visual reminder of the many things your child is thankful for.