Journaling for Preschool Children at UCCC
WHY JOURNALS IN PRESCHOOL? Journal writing is an essential exercise and skill for children. A journal is a place for children to "write" about themselves, their feelings, things they like and things they don’t like; through journaling they learn that their ideas can be transferred to paper for others to see and read. Journals can be the place to reflect on BIG CLASSROOM IDEAS.
A child’s journal is formatted to each individual…it can be scribble over scribble, scribbles that are separated, writing from left to right, letter formation or the beauty of a child’s drawing, which is an opportunity to extend a child’s thinking.
Journaling is an opportunity to introduce routines to children in an organic manner. A child can be encouraged to add the name of the day or date to each entry. Journaling enhances a child’s vocabulary and provides a place to celebrate the successes of the day or plans for the day. Journaling is a process that emerges from the inside – out as teachers and parents honor the importance of writing while establishing routines around journaling. It is a special time when teachers and parents can quietly sidle next to children as children lead the experience, an experience which should be fun and relaxing….It is an intimate moment in time.
Post by Stephen Zwolak