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Kids’ Activities Series: Keeping a Journal

By , About.com Guide

Keeping a journal is a very self-directed kids’ activity, making it especially good for WAHM kids. And while it is not a kids' activity that keeps them busy for hours, kids can learn to organize their thoughts by keeping a journal, and younger kids can supplement their words with pictures.

Age range:Age 8 and up
Number of children: One
Type of activity: fun for one, indoor activity

Description:

Writing in a journal will not keep a child occupied for long periods while you work, but it's a nice everyday activity. It's a good way to start the day or transition from one activity to another.

Keeping a journal at home (as opposed to in school) means no one will correct spelling and grammar or read the private thoughts it contains. Without those concerns, kids feel free to write what they like and so a journal encourages creativity as it helps them learn to organize their thoughts. This is a great summer activity because it will be a help in the old back-to-school question: What did you do over summer vacation?

Preparation:
Buy a journal. It can be something fancy with a lock or simply a lined notebook. You may want start with the decorative diary to get your child's interest, but for those that get hooked and are filling diaries fast, you may end up supplying them with plain old notebooks. A fun idea from About.com's Guide to Family Crafts is to have your child make a fabric-covered journal.
Keep in Mind:
Not every kid will enjoy this activity. Some will just see it as pure work with little enjoyment. But others might be coaxed into it especially if they can supplement their words with pictures. Younger kids can keep a sketch book instead, chronicling their life with pictures.
More on Keeping a Journal:
Related Kids Activities:

These kids’ activities, which target a wide range of ages, promote independence and teach kids to find their own fun...something a work-at-home mom appreciates. See other kids’ activities in this series.

For even more ideas for kids' activities, sign up for my free WAHM Newsletter.

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