Context
Move over, pen and paper. This lesson idea introduces students to the vibrant world of digital journaling, where their memories are no longer confined to static pages. Using powerful note-taking apps like GoodNotes or Notability, students will discover how to create rich, multimedia scrapbook pages that are as dynamic as their lives.
Preparation and Flow
For this lesson, students will need a note-taking app like GoodNotes. They should also have 2-3 photos in their Photos app related to a recent event, a hobby, or a favourite memory
1. Inspiration & Introduction (5 mins)
Begin by showcasing a few examples of well-designed digital journal pages to inspire students.
Lead a brief discussion: What is a journal for? What kinds of memories or thoughts would you want to save?
2. A Tour of the Digital Toolkit (10 mins)
Project the note-taking app (e.g., GoodNotes) and guide students through the essential tools:
Pen Tool: Demonstrate how to write with an Apple Pencil and change the color and thickness.
Text Tool: Show how to add a typed text box for titles or longer paragraphs.
Image Tool: Walk through the process of adding a photo from their camera roll.
Lasso Tool: Explain how this powerful tool lets them circle any item (handwriting, text, or a photo) to move, resize, or delete it.
3. Choosing a Theme (5 mins)
To give students a clear starting point, provide a simple theme for their first journal page. Suggestions include:
"Weekend Recap"
"All About My Favorite Hobby"
"A Perfect Day"
4. Creative Workshop: Build Your Page (20 mins)
Students work independently to create their digital journal page. The page should include:
A title (typed or handwritten).
At least one photo.
A short paragraph or a few sentences describing the memory or topic.
Encourage them to use the Lasso Tool to arrange their page elements in a way that looks balanced and creative.
5. Showcase & Share (10 mins)
In pairs or small groups, have students share their completed pages with each other.
Ask them to explain their design choices and talk about the memory they chose to document. This peer-to-peer sharing is a low-pressure way to celebrate their work.
This is more than just a digital diary. It’s an exercise in mindfulness, reflection, and creative design. Students will learn to combine different forms of media—the personal touch of handwriting, the vividness of photos, and the clarity of typed text—to express themselves in a completely new way. They will arrange, resize, and layer their memories, learning the basics of digital composition while documenting events that matter to them.
By creating their first digital journal page, students will build a foundation for a lifelong practice of creative self-expression and develop a personal, portable archive of their own stories.
Possible Extension
Custom Sticker Integration: Connect this lesson with the "Sticker Story Scapes" activity. Students can create their own stickers from photos and use them to decorate their journal pages.
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Sharon
Create a Digital Visio
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.