Start your own curious kid’s guide to noticing and wondering
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your early SEL mini spark recording page: #13: Start an “I wonder…. journal”
2. Read the The steps for How to Write an “I Wonder…” Journal. When you are done write “I read steps 1-7 about how to write a journal entry!”
Step 1: Get Ready to Wonder. Before you start writing, get into a curious mindset. Your goal is to notice something interesting and ask questions about it. Think: “What’s something I saw or felt today that made me curious?” or “Did anything surprise me or seem strange?”
Step 2: Choose Something Interesting. Pick something from your day that stood out to you. It can be: Something you saw (like a bird, cloud, or a strange bug), A feeling you had (like nervousness, excitement, or confusion) or An interaction (a moment between you and someone else) Something new (a tool, toy, food, word, etc.)
Examples: A squirrel carrying a huge stick, The way my heart raced before my class speech, Why my dog tilts her head when I talk or A weird dream I had last night
Step 3: Start with “I wonder…” Now write a sentence that begins with: I wonder… Use this to ask a question or show your curiosity.
Examples: I wonder how birds know which way to fly during migration, I wonder why I felt so nervous before presenting or I wonder what my dog is thinking when she stares at me.
Step 4: Add Details and Ideas. After your “I wonder” sentence, write 3–5 more sentences that: Describe what you noticed, Explain why it caught your attention or Share your thoughts, guesses, or feelings
Example:
I wonder why some squirrels have darker fur than others. I saw one today with almost black fur, while others are light brown. Maybe it helps them hide in different places. I also wonder if it depends on where they live. I want to look it up in a book or ask my teacher.
Step 5: Ask Another Question (Optional)
If you’re still curious, ask another “I wonder…” question at the end.
This keeps your thinking going and shows you’re open to learning more.
Step 6: Reread and Check
Make sure your journal:
✔ Starts with “I wonder…”
✔ Talks about something real and specific
✔ Includes your thoughts, ideas, or feelings
✔ Is written clearly with full sentences
Step 7: Helpful Starters:
- I wonder why…
- I noticed that…
- This made me think…
- I started to feel…
- Could it be because…
- I want to know more about…
3. To earn this mini spark, write 1 journal entry following the steps outlined above for three days. Include the date with your entry.
4. Share your SEL mini spark recording page and journal entries with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building
Check out the I Wonder Journal Challenge badge at the EY website.