What is a learning journal vs a learning journey?

• Learning journal: A curated record of a child's learning over time (observations, photos, voice, next steps) aligned to EYFS.
• Learning journey: The narrative arc that connects moments into progress over time (milestones, transitions, outcomes).

Both help families see progress and support assessment. Use journals to collect evidence; use journeys to tell the story and plan next steps.

Examples and templates

• Start quickly: use these ready-made pages and downloads.
• Learning Journal Templates & Examples
• Learning Journey Templates & Examples

EYFS observations and next steps

• What to observe, types of observations, and how to write actionable next steps that link to ELGs and Areas of Learning.
• Go deep: EYFS Observations, Next Steps, and Evidence Guide

Assessment and curriculum links

• Understand how journals and journeys connect to assessment and planning.
• EYFS Assessment and Profiles
• Early Learning Goals (ELGs) Explained
• EYFS Areas of Learning: A Practitioner Guide

Digital tools

• Tools make capture, tagging, and sharing easier.
• Tapestry Learning Journal: Features, Pricing, Alternatives
• Alternatives to Tapestry (Evidence Me, eyLog, ILD, Kinderly)
• Floor Books in EYFS: Ideas and Templates

How to structure a simple journal entry

1. Context (what, who, where)
2. Observation (objective description)
3. Analysis (what learning is happening; link to ELGs/Areas)
4. Child voice/family voice (quotes)
5. Next steps (specific, doable, time-bound)
6. Media (photo/video) and permission notes

Related links

• Observations/Next Steps, Journal Templates, Journey Templates, Assessment, ELGs, Areas of Learning, Tapestry
• Observations ↔ Observation Types, Two-Year Check, ELGs
• Journal/Journey Templates ↔ Tapestry/Alternatives, Floor Books
• Assessment/ELGs/Areas ↔ Observations, Journals

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Need a quick start? Open a template above and copy the structure into your setting's tool.