journaling tip: journaling with kids
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
In honor of Mother’s Day this past Sunday, this journal tip is dedicated to journaling with kids. Not only is this an engaging activity to do with your child, but it will create a lasting memory for both of you. In an age where everyone is running around with hectic scheduling, take the time to stop and reflect with your child. You may be surprised by their observations!
My 9 year old niece, Bella, was gracious enough to share several of her journal entries with me for samples of journaling with kids. I love how her journal is already bulging on the side with things she collects and glues into her journal.
Here, my niece glued down an atc I created and wrote down what she felt the image meant.
+ Get a plain notebook or sketchbook and have the child decorate the cover with stickers, collage, or even their own drawing.
+ Encourage the use of pictures, drawings, and stamping in their journal. This is especially the case for children with pre-writing skills.
This spread was created by my 5 year old niece, Sophia. On the right side is a photo from a vacation. She continued the landscape according to her own vision!
+ Help them observe their world- don’t forget the wh questions, who, what, when, where, why, and how.
+Make it fun! Emphasize that there is no right or wrong way.
+When a child finishes a drawing, ask them to tell you about it-write their words down! Attach it to their drawing on the opposite facing page, or write it on the drawing. With their permission, of course.
When Bella was 4 years old, I got engaged and told her the story about the proposal. She later illustrated it and my sister wrote down her description of her illustration. This drawing hangs in my studio to this day.
+Children are so observant of their surroundings. Have them use a journal to record their sightings on a nature walk, or a city stroll. Tape or glue in the little things they collect on their walks- leaves, sticks, found objects, etc.
+Collect personal photographs or random images. Let your child pick one to glue into their journal and then write a story about it.
+Don’t forget to date the entries!
sounds like a poem to me…
+Journaling can also help children process their own feelings of emotional events in their lives. It provides a safe place for them to express themselves.
Here are some interesting online resources:
- mom’s minivan: trip journal
- nature journaling with kids
- kids creativity portal
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