In 2018, Chevron Canada celebrated the 25th year of its flagship program, Open Minds. Open Minds is an innovative, international award-winning learning program that provides a hands-on, out-of-classroom experience for students, focusing on observation, writing and critical-thinking skills. By stepping out of the classroom for a week of learning, students can slow down, develop critical thinking and observation skills and build confidence. Chevron supports five Open Minds sites in Alberta and one in Newfoundland and Labrador. To learn more, please visit: 

why journal?

Open Minds uses journaling in its programs as a tool to help students stimulate curiosity and make sense of the world around them. By asking them to sketch and write about what they see, feel and imagine, they are encouraged to go beyond the obvious. This allows for emotional connections that cement their learning.

This type of experience asks children to observe and reflect on their surroundings. This inspires them to make careful observations and thoughtful interpretations – setting the stage for inquiry.

Learn more about why journaling is a valuable learning tool

As part of the Calgary Campus Open Minds 25th Anniversary Celebration in 2018, we developed the following guides for parents or teachers to get out of the house or classroom:

Download our journaling resources:

• Journaling Techniques
• Engaging Parents with Journalling

We’d love to see what you discover using these program guides. Please share your experience and learnings online using the hashtag #yycCCOM25 and join in our milestone conversation.