Resources › For Educators Journal Topics for Self Understanding Lesson Idea: Journal Topics for Personal Growth and Self Understanding Share Flipboard Email Print Cavan Images/Taxi/Getty Images For Educators Teaching Teaching Resources An Introduction to Teaching Tips & Strategies Policies & Discipline Community Involvement School Administration Technology in the Classroom Teaching Adult Learners Issues In Education Becoming A Teacher Assessments & Tests Elementary Education Secondary Education Special Education Homeschooling By Melissa Kelly Education Expert M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida B.A., History, University of Florida Melissa Kelly, M.Ed., is a secondary school teacher, instructional designer, and the author of "The Everything New Teacher Book: A Survival Guide for the First Year and Beyond." our editorial process Melissa Kelly Updated March 08, 2017 The following journal topics all are geared to help students learn a little more about themselves as they grow in self-understanding. In addition to the topics listed below, associative writing, the writing of thoughts as fast as they come to mind without worrying about sentence structure or punctuation, may be particularly helpful when a student is troubled or experiencing writers' block. When I need time for myself...If I could live anywhereI really miss...I never expected...An unusual day in my lifeFor my birthday I'd like...The worst gift I ever got...I daydream most about...I really wish....Something few people realize about meI wish I weren't so...One of my best points is...One of my most important goals is...I dream that one day...My hardest class isWhat makes me feel proud isI'm glad I'm alive whenSome little things I often forget to enjoyAssociative Writing: Associative writing, also called free writing, requires that the student writes his or her thoughts as fast as they come to mind with no attention to sentence structure or punctuation. The technique may be particularly helpful when a student is troubled or suffering from writers' block. Although I like to teach students how and when to use associative writing, I prefer that they do it outside of class and not as an English assignment.