We are going to be starting school in less than a week! You and your child might want to create a journal (you could also do this activity with older children).A journal will help your child develop reading and writing skills. It would also be a great place to save art projects. You could get a journal or pick up a 3 ring note book and some loose leaf paper.
Here are some ideas to get you started-
What did you wear to school? What did your teacher wear? Did you have a job today? Tell me about your job. What did you learn today? Who did you play with? Tell me about the centers. What did you have for snack? Did you sing? What was the story? What did you like most/least about your day? Did you play outside?
Make this a fun experience for your child. If you get short answers, don't worry. Try to write down what your child says without correcting or editing. This will make for more fun filled and cherished memories down the road.
Add the crafts and artwork that comes home. Have your child tell you about their work and describe how it was created.
Not only are you creating a treasured keepsake for you and your child, your child is also working on a variety of skills.
Communication-by talking about his/her day you are working on communicating organized thoughts, vocabulary and speech skills.
Writing & Reading-writing and creating a story about ME will introduce and reinforce skills. If we are working on Letter B, your child will talk about and write about Letter B in their journal.
Arts & Crafts-after time spent on the refrigerator arts and crafts can be put in the journal.
Miscellaneous-A journal will help your child's memory by recalling events and activities of the day. It will also help your child's awareness of others (what did your teacher wear?). Dictating events of the day will help your child organize their thoughts (first we...next we...)
A preschool and elementary school journal would be a great keepsake to put out at high school graduation! HAVE FUN!
