Create a Journal
You will make a simple journal for your child and encourage him to write or draw about people and experiences he would like to remember.
Learning Area(s): Reading and Writing
MATERIALS
- 9” x 12” construction paper
- Unlined paper
- Stapler
- Pencils
LET'S PLAY
Adults often keep a journal to record their thoughts or remember important experiences. You can make a simple journal for your child by folding a piece of 9” x 12” construction paper in half and adding several sheets of unlined notebook paper. It can then be stapled together in a book format. Your child can decorate the cover with stickers, photos, or drawings, and he can write his name on it (with help from you, if needed).
Explain to your child that a journal is a special book with blank pages on which to write or draw. Tell him that he might choose to write or draw about things he knows about, things he is interested in, or people and animals that he cares about.
Younger children can begin to make journal entries by drawing pictures and dictating sentences that you write down for them. Older children can begin to write letters or try to spell words in addition to their drawings.
TIPS
- On the inside cover or first page, you and your child can come up with a list of topics to write about. These may include family names, friends’ names, pets, favorite activities, vacations, outings, sports, holidays, etc.
- As opportunities arise (for example, when your child has seen or done something interesting) you can suggest that your child take out his journal and add to it, with your assistance if needed.
- Your child can add photos to his journal by printing digital photos onto paper (with your help), cutting them out, and attaching them to journal pages.
- Your child can make multiple journals as a way to reflect upon different experiences, such as a pet journal, a holiday journal, etc.
- Remember that the journal project is supposed to be fun for your child, not a chore. Working on it together, letting your child decide what to put on each page, and praising his efforts should help motivate your child to add to it page by page.
