*This post is sponsored by Lakeshore Learning. I received free product to facilitate my post. All opinions are my own.
When I was in the classroom, my FAVORITE thing to teach was writing. (Shocking, I know!) I looked forward to our Writer’s Workshop time each day, and loved watching my young students blossom into writers over the course of the year. As young learners start their journey as writers, they must first learn the writing process.
The first step of the writing process is planning. While older children and adults can plan their writing by using a graphic organizer, word web, 
note-taking, etc, for young children, being able to DRAW prior to beginning their writing is imperative. That is one reason I absolutely LOVE the Draw & Write Journal from Lakeshore Learning.
This journal includes an area for your child to create their picture plan or illustration prior to their writing. Drawing a picture allows the child to formulate their ideas. So many kids get “stuck” and aren’t sure what to write about. A picture sparks an idea. Without knowing it, they’ve drawn a picture and suddenly have a lot to say about it!
When your child is ready to begin their writing, this journal provides age-appropriate lines, to help 
practice letter formation and improve their handwriting. We like to talk about the “hat” line, “belt” line, and “shoe” line, and I love that this journal includes the dotted middle line to help children practice their letters. This is hands-down the most child-friendly and age appropriate journal I’ve seen on the market!
My son, a kindergartner, now asks to do Writer’s Workshop at home on the days he doesn’t attend school. He loves sitting down with his journal, completely able to follow the same routine he does in his school classroom. The continuity and extra at-home practice are great! I love seeing his art-work inspire him as a writer. Our children are such natural story-tellers. This journal helps get some of those stories on paper!
They also have a My First Draw & Write Journal for younger learners. This journal features larger lines, allowing preschoolers who are just starting to write room to practice without getting frustrated. Check that out HERE. (It’s also just $3.49!)
The journal retails for just $3.49!!! You can click HERE to purchase one for your child! Of course, if you aren’t in the market for a new journal, Lakeshore Learning has TONS of other incredible products for your home or classroom. Whether you’re a teacher, a homeschooling parent, or simply a parent who is looking for high-quality and affordable educational items for your children, Lakeshore has something for you!
Check out the Lakeshore Learning website.
