In order for journal writing to be successful in the Pre-K classroom, the teacher needs to explain, often several times, the purpose of the journal and the teacher's expectations. During the introduction, the teacher will have to model exactly how the journal is to be used, what will go in the journal and what should not be included in the journal. Everything from the procedure to picking up the journals to how to wait for feedback from the teacher needs to be modeled and explained in great detail. Again, given the age of the students, this will have to be done several times.
Journals in the Pre-K classroom are not fancy at all. Teachers typically use several pieces of unlined, white construction paper folded in half and then stapled going down the folded seam. Lined paper is not considered appropriate at the Pre-K level.
The frequency with which the students would use the journal would depend solely on the teacher and the purpose of the journals. If this is an artifact of work progression then the students will have to have enough entries to show a gradual improvement over a long period of time. Of course, the best results will come from daily journaling.
The best way to get students writing immediately is to have them respond to literature in their journals. In the beginning, the teacher will read a story and the students will use their journals to draw a picture of what they visualize about the story and write one sentence. Teachers should not expect Picasso-like artwork or actual complete sentences, but this gives students an opportunity to learn what they will do each time they are expected to make a journal entry. Eventually, students will be able to read age-appropriate books on their own and write a complete sentence. Until that happens, sit with each student and ask him to explain their picture and tell you what their sentence says. Below the student's writing, write and sound out the actual words his sentence is meant to say.
This is the time that students are learning how to be readers and writers. Nurturing and encouraging their efforts is imperative to their development. Keep in mind not to criticize their work and offer lots of praise. The goal is to create a love for reading and writing.