3 Benefits of Kindergarten Writing Journals and Other Helpful Information
The writing process is a lot of work in kindergarten. Students are just learning how to write, and we are now asking them not just to write words but full sentences and even put those sentences together to write a story or an informational piece. It can all be overwhelming, but giving students the opportunity to practice writing without the stress of an assignment is why I use kindergarten writing journals!
This time of the year is the sweet spot where things start to click. Students are familiar with putting sounds together to make words, putting words together to make a sentence, and sentences together to communicate a message. Letting them express themselves using a writing journal makes it so much more enjoyable!
What is a Kindergarten Writing Journal?
A kindergarten journal is a spot for students to write about whatever they want. Sometimes teachers like to include writing prompts on the page or different activities to help students along with the writing process. Other times, teachers just leave the pages blank and let students’ imaginations take the lead.
I like to include a spot where students can draw a picture to go along with their writing. Sometimes I even have students who are unsure of what to write start with the picture and build their story or writing piece from there. You can check out my year-long writing journal resource here.
3 Benefits of Having Kindergarten Writing Journals
There are so many benefits of a writing journal that go beyond just the writing process and learning how to write. Journal writing allows students to express themselves in many ways. Here are some of the benefits I have noticed in the classroom.
Benefit #1: Express Feelings/Emotions/Problems/Etc.
Students often are unsure of how to express their emotions, problems, etc., when they are in kindergarten. They often feel big emotions and just do not know how to deal with it all. Allowing them to use this journal as a safe space to write about their emotions, situations, etc., they are going through will not only help them. But help you understand them more personally and help them when needed.
Benefit #2: Effective Communication Skills
This is one of the biggest improvements I have noticed after adding kindergarten journals. Students are able to communicate effectively (a little bit better). They can write sentences and speak sentences that make sense, and each student can communicate with me and one another more easily. I have also noticed in math class students are able to communicate their mathematical thinking easier, too, whether it was verbal or written.
Benefit #3: Improve Writing Skills
I saved this one for last because I felt like if you were going to skim, I wanted to ensure you saw the first two benefits before this one. Obviously, students’ writing skills are going to improve if given the time to write. They will start to notice sentences that don’t make sense, punctuation, etc. You’ll see them especially look back at old journals and wonder how they ever wrote like that. A great tool to get them ready for 1st grade and beyond. That’s for sure.
I still let my students use their writing folder office whenever needed. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and students will still need a little help every once in a while. You can learn more about this awesome tool right here.
These are just three of the benefits I have noticed. There are probably a ton more. But I felt like these are probably the three most important reasons why I decided to start kindergarten writing journals in my classroom.
When To Use Writing Journals
There are plenty of opportunities to use kindergarten writing journals throughout the school year and the school day. I like to give a new journal each month. That way, if I want to include writing prompts or other resources, I can slip those in easily.
You can start to incorporate writing journals into:
- Literacy Centers
- Free Writing Time
- Small Group Time
- Must Do, Make Up, Can Do Chart
- Choice Boards
- Calm Down Corner
The possibilities are endless! Wherever you decide to put your kindergarten writing journal, students will love it!
Wrap Up!
So there you have it, the reasons why I believe so highly in kindergarten writing journals. They not only help students improve their writing but their communication skills increase as well as their self-regulation skills. Writing is a great activity. Even if students come into kindergarten not knowing or hating how to write by the end of the year, they will love it and, if not love it, at least enjoy it.
If you are looking to get started with journal writing in your classroom, you may want to check out the writing tools I have available. These tools will make it easier for students not only to enjoy writing time but feel accomplished as well. I’ve bundled them all together to make it easier for you here.
