Thinking Tree Journals
Funschooling / Thinking Tree (Sarah Brown) · Grades K–12
Student-directed learning journals: children research, draw, write about self-chosen topics. Provides structure without dictating content.
$10–$25 per journal
Overview
Student-directed learning journals: children research, draw, write about self-chosen topics. Provides structure without dictating content. Designed by a mother of 10 specifically for kids with attentional and learning differences.
Strengths
- •Interest-led. The child picks the topic, the journal provides the scaffolding
- •Designed for and tested with neurodivergent learners
- •Inexpensive single-volume entry. Easy to try one and see
- •Encourages writing, drawing, and reading without requiring strong reading first
- •Pairs with library books for a low-cost full curriculum
Limitations
- •Not standards-aligned. Won't satisfy a charter portfolio reviewer
- •Output quality depends entirely on the child's drive
- •Parents who need structure or assessments will struggle
- •Strong Christian framing in many (but not all) titles
Best fit for
- •ADHD, dyslexic, twice-exceptional, and atypical learners
- •Kids who hate workbooks but love drawing and notebooks
- •Families recovering from school burnout
- •Households committed to interest-led learning
The honest read
The reason these work for hard-to-curriculum kids is that they ask the child what they care about and build the work outward from that. They don't replace skills practice. They make skills practice feel like the child's idea.
Get Thinking Tree Journals
Student-directed learning journals: children research, draw, write about self-chosen topics. Provides structure without dictating content.
SHOPRelated in Multi-Subject
Thinking Tree Journals
$10–$25 per journal