The nature of children's writing and drawing forms a useful starting point for examining journal writing with young children. Much research and literature suggests the educational value of having children write, yet a controversy exists among writing authorities concerning whether children's drawings are a necessary part of journal-writing experiences. More often, however, writing educators view the processes of emergent writing and drawing as inseparable. Young children use writing and drawing to test and stabilize their feelings, to think and explore their surroundings, and to use different representational methods for different purposes. Drawing also plays an important part in facilitating language learning, comprehension, and vocabulary learning. Teaches may wish to use practical and simple drawing guides to help them teach basic drawing skills. Although it appears to be natural for drawing to disappear from journal writing, many students would benefit from continuing the drawing experience. Many children need to draw simply because they cannot comprehend language through a strict verbal-written instructional program; others benefit by using drawing for creative and extended thinking. (Three examples of children's writing/drawing are included; 43 references are attached.) (RS)