3 Ways to Journal with your Preschooler (and why you should)

You may think that it’s odd for a kid 3-5 years of age to start a journal. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not and it may beneficial to the little tykes!

Journaling is a way to express oneself and to write down your deepest, darkest, most inner thoughts. Why would kids need to do this? Well…the way you keep a journal is very different from the way a little kid might keep a journal. What is the earliest form of “writing” for a kid? It’s drawing pictures. So a preschooler’s journal is going to have a lot and I mean a LOT of pictures! So many you won’t even be able to keep them on the fridge! But you can keep them in their journal. This is how they express themselves.

In the beginning you’re going to want to give them a notebook or journal or even graph paper! Any one that you can find, but even better if your child gets to pick out their own!

Next you’re going to want to get some fun accessories for the journal. I’m talking about stickers, pens, markers, and glitter! Just kidding. Don’t get glitter! Go to the store and have them pick out their favorite stickers or markers or whatever! Or gift a bunch of these things to them for their birthday! I guarantee they will love whatever you buy!

So now that you have all the supplies it’s time to start the journal with your kid! Hey, that’s a good idea! You should journal with your kid too! Journaling is very good for your mental health as well and I’m sure your kid will be thrilled to have you right there journaling with them!

Idea #1 

Write their name on a few pages and see if they try to copy it. Something like this would be good.

Idea #2

Write a shape on any page and see what they do with it. For example, if you draw a circle they can now use that circle in their drawing. They can turn it into whatever they want. Then encourage them to create their own circle and see how they do!

Idea #3

If there is a story they love at the moment, encourage them to draw a picture about it. For example, my daughter loves Pokémon right now. I know, I know. It was my husband’s idea to let her watch it. Anyway, I can ask her if she wants to draw her favorite Pokémon or draw a scene from an episode she just watched. There are so many things you can do with this idea. You can write down the name (like Pikachu) and see if they try to copy it down. Endless possibilities!

Writing in your journal can be fun and it’s even more fun when your kids do it with you! Happy writing! Read about why you as a parent should write a journal here.

Have a blessed day!