How to write a daily report?

[Jadeqin]

Hi all,

I'm wondering how you write a daily report/daily journal that parents can read and review what their children have done during the day in childcare? What is the formative/structure, what's included? What kind of professional sentences can we use? And how to write quickly, as we're busy and have children to look after.

Thank you

[Lorina]

Daily experience journals are a cornerstone of communication between educators and families. They provide parents with a snapshot of what their children explored, learned, and enjoyed during the day. Yet, when working with a whole group, efficiency and clarity become essential.

Writing for the Whole Group

Instead of creating lengthy individual reports, educators can streamline the process by:

- Recording a group summary: Capture the shared experiences of the day—such as outdoor play, creative exploration, or group story time.

-Adding brief individual highlights: Note one meaningful observation per child, linked to the group activity. This balances personalization with efficiency.

-Using templates or tick-boxes: Structured formats reduce writing time and ensure consistency.

This approach keeps journals professional, quick to complete, and still meaningful for families.

-Alternative Options

Daily journals don’t always need to be text-heavy. Other documentation methods can be equally effective and engaging:

- Photos: A few images of children engaged in activities can communicate experiences more vividly than words.

- Floorbooks: Large, shared books where children’s work, photos, and group reflections are collected. These become collaborative records of learning journeys.

- Child’s Voice: Including children’s own words or comments about their day adds authenticity and helps parents hear their child’s perspective.

These alternatives often save time while offering richer, more engaging insights into children’s experiences.

Are Daily Journals Necessary?

The necessity of daily journals depends on context:

- Not always required: In many regions, daily journals are not mandated by regulation. What is required is consistent documentation of learning and wellbeing.

- Valued by families: Parents often appreciate daily updates, but weekly summaries, digital platforms, or visual documentation can serve the same purpose.

-Balance matters: If daily journals become too time-consuming, they can detract from direct care. The goal is meaningful communication, not excessive paperwork.

Writing daily experience journals for the whole group can be efficient when educators use group summaries, quick highlights, and structured templates.

At the same time, alternatives such as photos, floorbooks, and children’s voices offer creative, time-saving ways to document experiences.

Ultimately, daily journals are not always strictly necessary—the priority is clear, consistent communication that strengthens the partnership between educators and families.

,
Lorina