10 Beginning of the Year Journal Topics

These reflective writing topics require students to think about the past year while preparing to set goals for the year ahead.

New Year Journal

  1. How did you grow socially this past year?
  2. How did you grow academically this past year?
  3. What did you accomplished last year that you would like to build upon in the upcoming year?
  4. What happened last year in your life outside of school that are you most proud of?
  5. How did you demonstrate generosity (or patience, kindness, self-restraint) this past year?
  6. What advice would you give yourself for the year ahead based on what you have experienced this past year?
  7. Writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Aren’t some days are better than others? If so, what does Emerson mean by this? Do you agree?
  8. How can you make every day the best day of the year?
  9. Where do you want to be this time next year?
  10. Explain the accomplishments that one of your friends or relatives had this past year.