If there's one thing better than children's artwork then it's their
writing, and when you combine them both together in a journal,
well, my heart is full to bursting just thinking about it!
You can begin journaling as a family and even your youngest, as long
as they can make a mark on paper, can be included in the process.
Journaling helps develop fine motor skills as well as mindfulness
and the healthy habit of observing and reflecting on your life.
It's easy, fun, and a great way to spend quality time together.
You can get started simply with a blank notebook or plain paper
and something to write and color with such as markers, crayons,
or colored pencils. Check out the ideas below and begin
journaling with your kids today!
Journal keeping can begin with this simple idea found at The
Write Start. Just ask the question, "What color was your day?"
Your child chooses the color and makes their mark in a journal.
Family sketchbooks like this one at Cakies are wonderful for
enticing those kids that might be reluctant in journaling as an
independent activity. Choose a large blank journal so there is
plenty of room for multiple contributions on a page.
Pre-writers can create an illustration and then dictate the words
to go with it. I always got such a kick out of the stories my kids
created and I know you will too. As your child gets older they'll
be able to take over the writing part as well. Check out
these cute examples at Mama.Papa.Bubba.
Once your child can journal independently then you may want
to schedule a regular journaling time and write and illustrate
alongside each other. Add tea and some treats and it will be a
special time everyone will look forward to!
Themed Journals
Journals can also be used to record emotions, art, special events,
and seasons of your life. Take a look at these examples for more
ways to incorporate journaling into your life.
Although your regular journaling might have illustrations, you may
want to have a journal that is dedicated to artwork. This post on
Buggy and Buddy talks about how you and your children can get
started art journaling side-by-side.
At some point or another, everyone will have to deal with the
emotions of grief. This grief journaling project at What's Your
Grief is an easy way for kids, and adults too, to express their
feelings in a simple but significant way.
Travel journals are great for documenting memories of a special
trip or vacation. If you add a few pockets you'll have a place to
tuck away postcards, tickets, and other ephemera. Visit Playful
Learning for more details on creating a kids travel journal.
With summer quickly approaching it's a perfect time to
start a nature journal. Handbook of Nature Study has tons of
information to get you started and a lot of free printables too.
A simple but rewarding journal is the gratitude journal. Lulu the
Baker has a tutorial on how to cover a mini composition journal
with decorative paper. I think they would look great
covered in children's artwork too.
Through the years I have cherished every scribble, note, and story
that my kids have ever written. Don't miss out on this wonderful
experience and get started journaling with your kids.
For tutorials on how to make and decorate books
and journals look through the Bookmaking
category here on The Crafty Crow!
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