Self-Reflection

• Self-reflection questions for journal writing allow middle school students to assess their own talents, fears, goals and other thoughts. These questions give the students a chance to dissect thoughts that may be holding them back in areas of their lives. Ideas for self-reflection journal topics include strengths, weaknesses, goals for the school year, plans after graduation, best personal qualities and talents that others may not know.
  
  

"What If" Questions

• Questions that begin with the phrase "What if..." encompass a variety of topics. These questions inspire the students to use their imaginations to construct answers. They also get the opportunity to look at things from different points of view. Endings to the "what if" journal question include scenarios of if you won a million dollars, if you could fly, if kids ran the school or space travel was available for anyone.
  
  

Opinions

• Forming opinions allows middle school students to analyze the situation and develop thoughts on the subject. Peer pressure plays a large role in the lives of middle school kids, but this journal option provides a format for the students to share their opinions without worrying about how their peers will react. Specific topics for the idea may include opinions on school uniforms, rules, the driving age, characteristics of a good friend and school food.
  
  

Current Events

• Current event journal topics inspire middle school students to form an awareness about news. Asking the kids to write about current events helps them realize how these events affect their lives, even if they aren't directly involved. Local, national and world news presents topics for journal activities. Reading a short clip about the news story provides all of the students with the background necessary to journal about the topic.
  
  

Solutions

• Another journal topic that sharpens the cognitive processes of the students is a solution-based question. These questions ask students to develop a solution for any number of problems. World problems such as hunger, health care or poverty provide broad topics. Local problems that relate to the community or the school provide a narrow scope for the topic. Whether the kids provide a serious approach to handling the problem or add a dose of humor to the subject, the key is for them to develop a logical solution that fits the problem.