kids keeping journals

[Deesknee]

I just noticed a thread re: journal survey which reminded me of a
homework assignment one of my kids had while we were on a disney family vacation. (took them out of school for a few days.)
My DS teacher had him keep a journal each day including days that would not have been school days had he been home. At the time we were all a little frustrated doing "homework" on a Saturday, but now he has the most wonderful sourvenier. His journal had to include his trans. to and from as well as a weather report for each day. It was alot of work for all of us as he was only about 8 yrs. old. The more I think of it, I think I'll have them all do a similar journal for each time we go. It will be fun to compare their thoughts from year to year.

Does anyone else have "special souveniers"? I'd love more ideas as I have another DD just beginning her Disney vacations.

 

[rocketriter]

When I was a kid my parents traveled with me all over the world. For the first couple of trips they had me keep a journal like you're describing. Later they had me write a letter a day to a family across the street from our house, describing the day's activities. (I suspect that kept me from wasting sentences venting about my irritation with one parent or the other.)

Sometimes I hated writing those letters, but I usually got into the rhythm and there was always something to describe.

I think it's a wonderful idea. I'd suggest that it be done every single day, but that your expectations about the length and detail of the entries be reasonable for the child's writing ability and age, and that it be approached positively rather than as a nasty old chore.

 

[Andrea T]

My son had to keep a journal for his 3rd grade teacher when I pulled him out for a week in Bermuda. I bought him a nice, lined journal in the bookstore. He has been entering his travel adventures ever since. He is now entering 6th grade. To see how his writing skiils have developed is wonderful. It's also interesting to read a childs perspective on an attraction or city. His travels include Hawaii, Alaska, Italy, Spain, Colonial Williamsburg and several Caribbean cruises. This will become a very special book for him as he grows up, and I'm so glad that teacher started it all.