In our preschool classrooms, the children are exposed to journal writing as well as to many other forms of writing. Each class labels many of the objects in the room, supplies children with written word forms, supplies paper and writing utensils throughout the room, and has activities that give children the opportunity to experiment with writing shapes, lines, letters, drawings, and other forms, while teachers model writing and reading. As teachers we demonstrate the process of writing, show how writing is useful, record children's ideas and stories, and provide writing that children can read. This works best during play. Children are encouraged to make lists for the supermarket, take orders from a menu, write recipes, and just write for the pure enjoyment of it.
Children use a variety of colored markers, pencils, pens, and other writing instruments.
They are encouraged to write at a table, on a pad, on the floor, or upside down. Many of the children are not at the stage where writing is easy. Their tiny fingers can't hold writing utensils and they don't have the strength to move the pencil in the direction they want. Instead, they are encouraged to write in sand, cornmeal, rice, paint, and other textures. And, they are given opportunities to strengthen their little fingers through fine motor activities and games, as well as using the computer mouse to help establish hand dominance.