Pen to Paper: Helping Elementary Students Achieve Their Dreams Through Goal-Setting Journals

Several years ago while on a flight home, I used the time to write in my journal and catch up on my goals. A man seated nearby, commented on how amazed he was to see me actually writing in a notebook in this digital age.  I got the impression that he was pretty astonished that I even owned a pen and paper much less knew how to use it.

Unfortunately, writing has become somewhat of a lost art and there is real cause for concern about that. One of the main reasons that we might be concerned about the dependence on computers rather than pen and paper for recording information has to do with the retention and application of what we write (or even type).

As elementary school counselors, we are in a prime position to help young students develop key life skills that will shape their future. One of the most powerful tools for guiding children toward success is goal-setting. Teaching elementary students how to set, track, and achieve their goals can foster a sense of accomplishment, perseverance, and self-confidence. One effective and creative way to help students focus on their goals is through journaling.

Why Writing Down Goals Works

Writing goals down is a powerful strategy for helping students clarify what they want to achieve and make it feel more real. When students physically write down their goals, they are more likely to commit to them. The act of writing makes the goal tangible, turning abstract thoughts into something concrete. Research shows that writing down goals increases accountability and strengthens motivation. This is because it engages both the mind and body in the process of goal-setting, making the goal feel more personal and attainable.

Additionally, when students revisit their written goals, it reminds them of their purpose and progress. It helps them stay focused, even when they face challenges. This simple act of writing can spark positive emotions and give students the mental energy to keep going.

Here are  nine good reasons to have students pick up pen and paper rather than fire up the computer when thinking about goal setting:

Writing encourages self-reflection: Journals encourage students to think deeply about what they want to achieve, why it’s important, and how they plan to get there. It fosters a sense of self-awareness that can boost confidence.

Writing helps clarify thoughts:  Assuming that students put their internal editor and critic to rest and write first a rough draft of  thoughts and intentions, writing can help clarify and determine the direction that they want to go in. The more they write and explore different options and the consequences of those options, the more they can create the desired end result.  There is something tremendously empowering about marking through, restating and rewriting previous thoughts and materials.

Writing creates ownership: Writing in a journal gives students control over their own progress. They can set their goals, record small victories, and write about challenges. This sense of ownership helps them feel more invested in their goals.

Writing develops creativity: Journals don’t have to be formal. They can include doodles, diagrams, and colorful charts that track progress. This creative freedom can make the goal-setting process more engaging for young students.

Writing has fewer distractions:  Who hasn’t been pulled away from an important task by the lure of Facebook or the ping of emails and text messages?  A notebook and pen will never provide  the same distractibility.  There is no sound but the scratch of the pen on the paper and nothing to draw students away from the naked pages that call them forward.

Writing down goals makes you more successful:  Research has shown that just writing goals down is more likely to make them happen.  When people not only write down their goals, but also share them with others and maintain accountability, they are 33% more likely to achieve their goals. Journaling helps students document both big and small successes. Each time they check off a goal or reach a milestone, it reinforces their positive behavior and motivates them to continue pushing forward.

Writing stimulates the brain: Research also shows that writing stimulates the RAS or reticular activating system which then gives emphasis to the written goal. It then sends a signal to the cerebral cortex to pay attention to the goal and get to work on accomplishing the task at hand. Writing begins a natural effortless chain reaction of success.

Writing connects ideas to the brain: When we form letters, each of which are different, we send a specific message to the brain.   With typing we are simply pressing keys all of which are the same, so the message is not as easily imprinted.

Writing helps to track success: Journaling helps students document both big and small successes. Each time they check off a goal or reach a milestone, it reinforces their positive behavior and motivates them to continue pushing forward.

Convinced?  I hope I have inspired you to engage students in goal setting through writing and journaling. Who knew that just putting pen to paper could make students more productive and successful?