Explicit presentations can be done in either a small or whole group setting. Usage and care of journals should be reinforced during the first few journaling sessions.
The presentation:
- “I have something new to show you today. It is a special book. I am going to open it. Tell me what you notice about this book.” (Prompt: It does not have any pictures or words, but it does have a line across the bottom section.)
- “This is a special book called a journal. Journals are special books where people keep stories about themselves, and things that happen in their lives and in their families. Stories can be about things you did, are going to do, like to think about, or favorite things that are interesting to you.”
- “I’m going to show you how to use your journal, so pretend that I’m a student. I am going to find the first blank page, and stamp today’s date (demonstrate). Then, I am going to think about what to draw. Once I have an idea, I’m going to draw my picture.” (Model drawing picture, while talking through your work.)
- Model labeling the picture, with another adult playing the role of the teacher. The ‘teacher’ points to parts of the picture and asks, “What is this? . . . Oh, would you like us to label it? . . . Let’s write . . .” (demonstrate writing the word next to the object in the picture).
- “Now, let’s write the story. Tell me about your picture.” Have the teacher take dictation, slowly writing each word, using neat handwriting, proper letter formation and conventions of print.
- While pointing carefully to each word, the teacher reads back the labels and dictation and asks, “Is there anything else you want to add?”
- End by modeling how to close and put away journaling materials in the classroom.
