A daily diary (or daily reflection) is a short story that captures the experiences, learning, and joy children had during the day. It not only gives families a meaningful glimpse into their child’s world but also serves as a reflective tool for educators to plan and share what comes next.
Video Tutorial:
Step-by-step guide:
1. Select the Docs tab from the left side panel
2. Select Daily Diary from the options available
3. Select your key group or search for the group you're writing for (e.g., Wombat Room)
4. Enter your notes using:
Text box: type in all your thoughts and notes
Write with Sue: start chatting with Coach Sue from the start to build your daily diary
Record voice: hit record and speak naturally about the day's events (names and quotes will be picked up too!)
Tip: If you're not sure how to start, "Write with Sue" and tell her about what you'd like to do (e.g., "I want to write a daily reflection for the toddler room") and follow her guidance to build the document.
5. Select Generate
6. Depending on the amount of information provided the document will either be generated or you'll be prompted by Coach Sue to give more detail.
If more detail required, chat until progress bar reaches 100% at which point you it will turn into a green Generate icon.
7. Read, review, edit and approve your document while in Edit Mode
Edit the document content/title directly
Use the Magic Edit bar ("What should I change?") to make instant text changes (e.g., change tone, include different outcomes, add other details)
Translate your document into any available language with Translate (original in English will appear below the translation)
Use Fix Grammar & Spelling if you wrote in additional information directly
Upload media (images, videos, PDFs)
8. Select Save to enter Viewing Mode
Use the panel on the right to scroll through:
Info: your original text & observed, created, and last modified dates
Coach Sue: review and continue your conversation with Sue (only for coaching purposes- she can no longer edit)
Follow Ups: to view location of the document and choose next steps
Tip: Click History (clock icon on the top right) to restore previous versions at any time as you edit your document.
9. Share your daily diary with families so they can see their child’s day come to life.
Hit Share to share this document with families (only if Families is enabled on Mana)
Copy your final diary using the copy button to share on another platform
Download/print to share a soft/hard copy of the daily diary
Your turn!
Try using our Daily Diary feature, add photos, and share your day stories with families and/or use them to reflect with children!