The K Prep students did their second entry in their journals today. Last week our entry was about what/who we love. We saw a lot of family faces in those entries! Monday, after reading the book, We Love School we wrote/drew about our favorite thing at our own school.
Journal writing is one of the foundation blocks of our language arts philosophy. Each week, the children have a set time to write in their journals. The journal serves as a valuable learning tool. The children are beginning to get their ideas on paper and learn first hand the power of words. Research shows that journaling is one of the most effective ways to teach and learn phonics.
Children at the beginning stages often use “scribble writing” or random letters to represent words. As they progress, they will begin to use the letters that represent the sounds in the words that they are attempting to write (“btrfli” for butterfly). We make good use of the children’s growing phonics by helping them listen carefully to the words they wish to use. Our ultimate goal is for each child to learn to communicate on paper whether it is through words or illustrations.
Children draw pictures as the main part of their communication at these early stages. Drawing helps them find the words they might want to use in their writing.
"Painting Center"
"I like to play on the playground."
"Me and Bode Playing Basketball"
"To Draw with Sam on the Chalkboard"
"I like to play in the writing center."
"I like when my family comes to school."
