How to Introduce Journaling to Young Children

Illustration by Michael Keany/AI

The article "How to Introduce Journaling to Young Children," authored by Connie Morris and published on February 27, 2024, emphasizes the significant benefits of journaling for preschool to second-grade students. It highlights the intertwined relationship between reading and writing in developing emergent literacy skills among young learners. Journaling, as presented, is not solely about writing words; it includes expressing thoughts through pictures, making it accessible to children at various developmental stages.

The piece underscores the importance of literature in fostering language skills, cognitive abilities, and strengthening bonds between adults and children. It draws on metaphors introduced by Emily Style and Rudine Sims Bishop, describing books as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, to illustrate how stories can reflect personal experiences and offer insights into others' lives. This literary engagement is noted for its role in enhancing self-awareness, social understanding, and literacy, showcasing how symbols such as illustrations and words convey narratives.

Morris advocates for selecting age-appropriate, emotionally rich, and culturally diverse books to support children's developmental needs. Incorporating the SEL Framework by CASEL is recommended for designing lesson objectives that encourage emotional expression and empathy through guided discussions about the literature.

The article details a methodical approach to reading sessions, suggesting educators begin with discussing the book's cover and creators, then engaging children in predicting and analyzing the story's content. This process, aimed at connecting with characters and themes, fosters a growth mindset, empathy, and resilience among young readers.

Describing journaling as "thinking with a pencil," Morris points out the adaptability of journaling to individual differences, emphasizing its role in reducing anxiety and promoting personal expression. She advises on creating open-ended prompts that allow for free expression, whether through drawing or writing, tailored to each child's readiness level. These activities not only facilitate emotional and cognitive development but also provide a platform for children to voice their thoughts creatively.

To enrich journaling sessions, Morris recommends three books—"Maybe" by Kobi Yamada, "Ruby Finds a Worry" by Tom Percival, and "In My Heart: A Book of Feelings" by Jo Witek—each chosen for its potential to inspire introspection and emotional growth through journaling prompts. These suggestions serve to integrate reading and journaling in a way that respects children's developmental stages, encourages emotional literacy, and cultivates a love for reading and writing.

In conclusion, the article presents a comprehensive guide for educators on integrating journaling into early childhood education. By aligning literature with expressive writing activities, teachers can support young learners in exploring their thoughts and feelings, thereby laying a strong foundation for literacy and emotional well-being.

Source: How to Introduce Journaling to Young Children

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com