Maureen,
I too have wondered about journaling time -- the children are at the end of 1+ hours and are thinking about burning off some energy upstairs. It's rather like the 5 minutes before school ends --what "pearls" can we expect at this point?
Could journaling then be part of the intro/review last week time at the start of the workshop? If the children view it as an integral part of the lesson then they might give it their best.
I did see some journaling in our group last Sunday and they did draw/reflect on what they felt about the crucifixion. (One child even asked me what "cricified" meant.)
You are right about the layers of learning. Much of the time we just have to pray it's going in! All the signs I see tell me it is (through review games, questions, memory work, recapping the lesson) but largely with those who are there consistently. One lesson is not enough -- which is why we chose rotation!
Blessings,
Hilary