Setting Up Preschool Journals for Preschoolers

Children love to put their marks on the world by scribbling and drawing. That is why we start everyday with morning journal time, it is our favorite morning activity to get the day started.  As children come in for the day it gives us an opportunity to have quality conversations with each child as they work on their daily writing prompt. 

​When thinking of starting a routine of journal prompts for preschoolers it needs to be easy to set up daily with little prep.  Teachers are busy and we don’t need one more thing that takes a lot of time. We have enough of those already.
​

The simplest and neatest way I have found to setting up preschool journals for preschoolers is by using file folders with fasteners.

​Setting up the original preschool journals will take a little time, but after that children will be able to do the daily prep all by themselves and it’s so worth it.

• Print the free preschool journal prompts cover and add inserts for each journal.  Printing instructions are included in the packet.  (Download available at bottom of post)​
• Staple or tape cover to each journal.  Stapling is faster but taping lasts longer and takes longer.

• Use a ​clasp envelopes 5x7 for an inside pocket for preschool journals.  Cut the clap section off by cutting a half circle out of it.  Use a two-hole punch and tape the envelope to the inside left side of the file folder.​

• Add name cards.
• Laminate pocket size ABC cards and Number cards so that children have the opportunity to use them during morning journal writing routine.

How do you write a daily journal for a preschooler?

We like to start with journal prompt sheets that are designed to actively engage children in the writing process to build their fine motor skills that will result in the progression of the penmanship skills.

Here are some journal prompt ideas

• Rainbow Writing
• Do-A-Dot Activities
• Letter and Number Collages
• Drawing Prompts
• Sticker Activities 

Grab the free printable to get your preschool journals set up. 

Download Now