Turning ‘trash’ into treasure with junk journals in the classroom

Parents and educators, let’s embrace the chaos this 2026, and dive into the world of junk journaling.

A junk journal is a creative, anything-goes journal without rules; a combination of a scrapbook, diary and art book. Open your junk drawers, and invite your children or students to embark on this creative adventure this new year.

Creating a junk journal is a great way to document those special moments and milestones and can be done in a few simple steps.

Here are five simple steps to help kids get started on a junk journal:

1. Round up the junk. Junk does not necessarily mean trash. You can use old book pages, magazines, scrap paper, stickers, washi tape, etc. Tip: Take pictures and print them out throughout the year to make it more personal.

2. Pick a base. Anything that holds paper can be used as a foundation. Sketch books, journals or a simple spiral-bound notebook. My 8-year-old chose something smaller with lines, and I went with something bigger without lines to allow for more freedom.

3. Decide on a theme. This year, I decided to attempt two junk journals, one with personal moments and another to document the books I read throughout the year and my reviews and feelings. You can be as general or as specific as you’d like! The easiest theme is just simply “2026 memories.”

4. Assemble your pages. This is where the fun begins, and the best part is there are no rules. You can select prompts, or just go day by day. If you’re doing daily journaling, use stickers and cutouts of letters for the date. Add pictures, doodles and write what made your day so special. You make the rules!

5. Let go of perfection. Believe it or not, this is the most important part. Junk journals are meant to be uneven, wrinkled, overstuffed, chaotic, but most importantly YOURS. The messier, the better.

Are you ready to help kids turn “junk” into something meaningful to recap the year? If so, we can’t wait to see your creations. Share your junk journals with us on the Arizona PBS Kids Facebook page!

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (6). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.