SEL: Big Life Journals for Tweens & Teens

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Denise Strecker
School Site
Sierra Expeditionary Learning School
Grant Category
Life Skills & Health
Grant Date
2025-03-31T12:00:00
Description

The Big Life Journal—Tween & Teen Edition is a science-based resource that empowers young people to develop resilience and a growth mindset. By participating in its activities, tweens and teens gain the tools to navigate challenges, build confidence, and cultivate a positive sense of self.

This resource supports social-emotional learning (SEL) by helping students:

  • Understand how their brain and mindset shape their potential
  • Develop self-awareness and take ownership of their choices and happiness
  • Transform negative self-talk into positive, empowering beliefs
  • Set and work toward meaningful goals
  • Build perseverance and resilience in the face of setbacks

With structured prompts and evidence-based activities, this journal provides a valuable framework for fostering emotional well-being and personal growth, making it an ideal resource for schools, youth programs, and mentoring initiatives.

 

Benefits of Program

The Big Life Journal – Tween & Teen Edition supports mental well-being by encouraging self-reflection and emotional regulation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It enhances academic and life success by strengthening problem-solving, goal-setting, and perseverance—skills essential for both school and future careers. Additionally, the journal fosters positive peer relationships by promoting empathy, collaboration, and effective communication. Aligned with social-emotional learning (SEL) standards, it complements our existing educational frameworks for character development and emotional intelligence. Most importantly, it provides a lasting impact by equipping youth with lifelong tools to build confidence, adaptability, and a proactive mindset.

Success of Program

Through my research on the Big Life Journal, I have found positive feedback from educators, parents, and students. This year, I introduced the journal to our 8th-grade class, and the response has been remarkable. Students have been actively engaged, participating in meaningful discussions, and diving deep into thoughtful conversations.

By continuing this program in the following years, I hope to see even greater success in fostering resilience, a growth mindset, and emotional well-being among our students. Our students have shown a strong commitment to the journal’s activities, demonstrating increased motivation to overcome challenges and transform negative self-talk into empowering beliefs.

Implementation

Currently, I meet with the 8th grade crew every other week, allowing them time in between sessions to practice the skills, mindset shifts, and goal-setting strategies introduced in the journal. Since I implemented the journal midway through the year, I am finding that we may not have enough time to complete it within our scheduled crew meetings.

Moving forward, my goal is to launch the program at the very start of the school year to ensure students have ample time to fully engage with each section. Using the Big Life Journal Teaching Guide as a resource, I plan to structure sessions more intentionally, integrating discussions, reflections, and activities that reinforce key concepts. This will provide students with a well-paced and comprehensive experience, allowing them to absorb and apply the lessons in a meaningful way.

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

N/A

Sustainability
The journal is designed as a one-time-use resource, allowing students to actively engage by writing, reflecting, and personalizing their journey. As they work through the journal, they can create a meaningful, individualized tool that captures their growth, challenges, and aspirations.

Beyond the structured lessons, the journal serves as a long-term resource for students. By taking it with them, they can revisit key lessons, reflect on their progress, and use it as a guide to navigate future challenges. This sustainability aspect ensures that the impact of the journal extends beyond the classroom, fostering continued personal development, resilience, and a growth mindset well into their high school years and beyond.
Amount Funded
$1378.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$416 - Big Life Journal for Tweens & Teens
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$41.70
Other funding sources

Thank you for considering this grant. While I could seek funding through our school, it would place a strain on my school budget, making it challenging to sustain the program long-term. This year, the school’s Parent-Teacher Crew generously provided funding; however, their resources are limited and may not be available in future years. Securing this grant would ensure the continued success of the program, allowing students to benefit from the Big Life Journal without financial uncertainty.

File Uploads
BLJ-School bulk pricing.pdf (153.21 KB)
Notes

Not at this time.