The year I started Pre-K writing journals, everything changed. For instance, I had a literacy/fine motor center ready for each week. That made planning just a little easier. I also had a portfolio of student progress through the year to give to parents. However, the most important change was in the kids. As the year progressed and fine motor skills began to develop and improve, the kids could see their own progress. Consequently, they began to take more time with journals and consistently do their best work. While I’m not a fan of “seat work”, Journal time is special.
Tips for Making Pre-K Writing Journals “Special”
If you have taught Preschool or Pre-K for any length of time, you already know that the kids love to make things “their own”. During the first week of school, when we are just getting to know each other, I bring out name strips, stickers, and an array of bright folders.
As you may have guessed, this accomplishes a multitude of assessment tasks for me. I can assess pencil grip, how well the kids can form letters, how well they know the letters of their names, and fine motor coordination as they peel stickers off paper. We also have a chance to slow down and chat. Consequently, for the kids, they have a chance to be creative and get some writing practice. They also have a chance to get to know me and their classmates.
Another way I make Pre-K writing journals in my classroom special is that it is the only time we can use the “Smelly” Markers. I keep 2 packs of Mr. Sketch scented markers hidden away until journal day. We have 2 sets of broad-tip and 2 sets of fine-tip. This one special thing can get even the most stubborn students begging to come to my center.
Over the years I have found that the kids take so much pride in decorating their folders and looking through the pages to see their own progress. As a result, I have happy kids and beaming teachers! it’s a win-win.
Building Skills, and Where to Start
When beginning a journal writing practice with young children, it is important to not set expectations too high. Although there is a big leap in development between ages 3-4 to ages 4-5, development does not occur on a continuum. You will find that some kids struggle with fine motor skills, while others have no difficulty at all. A great place to begin is with simple picture drawing.
I don’t care if all my kids can do at the beginning is draw a squiggly line or a wonky circle. Past experience has shown me that everyone can make progress. Sometimes the kid who drew the wonky circle in September, can write their name and draw the cutest stick person you’ve ever seen by May! Journal time is when we practice holding our markers and making shapes by moving the markers around the page.
While assessing grip, practicing letter formation, or basic drawing, it is so important to gently guide, never force or admonish. As teachers of young children, we guide and encourage. We are practicing. For all intents and purposes, for our students, practice will NOT make perfect. Our goal is always process over product.
Pre-K Writing Journals Build Social/Emotional Learning Too
Lastly, I wanted to touch on the most important aspect of teaching Preschool and pre-kindergarten. The way I see it, we are there to facilitate social/emotional learning and to foster creativity. In fact, I consider it the most important part of my job as a teacher. Use Journal time as a time to express creativity and to relax, talk, and have fun. I bond with my students more during journal time than practically any other time of the week. In addition, through taking turns with the markers, and hearing each other’s stories, they bond with each other too. It is so special.
If you want to begin your own journal practice in your Early Childhood classroom, I have put together 5 sample pages to help get you started. Just click here and you will receive a free download.
I have a blog post with more information on how I set up and conduct our journal practice. You can read more here.
Visit my TPT store for these great Journal Prompt sets. No-Prep! Just print, copy, and you are ready to go!
