Isolation can be stressful and scary. For many school-age kids, isolation has disrupted their normal learning routines. Instead of sitting in class doing planned lessons, kids may be spending that time on electronic devices or watching TV. So, how can you keep that spark for learning new things burning strong during this challenging time?
Creating crafts and other mementos that document this unique time in the family’s history can be a positive, silver lining for kids and parents seeking fun and meaningful activities. Working with your family on these projects can reaffirm those close family bonds, and they can also help kids express themselves in new ways. Here are a few ideas of creative ways to document this time.
1. Create a Family Craft
This art project is a simple, unique way to create a colorful family memento featuring the hands of every family member. All you need are colored paper, black markers, and a frame for displaying the finished art piece.
Have each family member trace one hand on a colored piece of paper. Next, cut the hands out and then glue them on top of each other. Finally, label each hand and frame them with a quote or saying. Don’t forget to write the date!
Or, create an ornament for your Christmas tree, if you celebrate. Many families like to hang ornaments with something significant that happened during the year, such as a new baby, an engagement, an award won, a sport that they participated in, etc. Creating an ornament signifying the time that you got to spend together is something to remember, despite the circumstances.
2. Make a Journal
Introduce your kids to journaling and create one for yourself, too. Keep a daily journal to write down what you’re doing each day. You can even make themed journals! Log what you eat, what activities you do, or even which movies you watch. For example, one family is watching one ‘80s movie every day with their teenagers, and another is watching a Disney movie every day.
Or, use journaling as a checklist. Create a list of all of the things that you want to accomplish during this time at home. Writing the date you completed each task is a great memento to show how you spent your time during isolation.
Journals don’t always have to be about writing either! Have younger kids or those who like to draw create a drawing or piece of art every day.
3. Write a Book
Here’s an idea that appeals to those who enjoy storytelling. Writing a book allows kids to practice their English grammar, thinking and writing skills.
If you don’t have any blank books around, create one. Use either construction or wrapping paper to create a cover, put paper inside, then either hole punch or staple the spine of the book. If you use a hole punch, add ribbon or yarn to tie the book together.
Writing and illustrating a book is a great creative outlet! Have children write stories about something that has happened, a place that they have visited, or their favorite animal. For children who like facts and informational books, they can also write their own books about animals or places.
Do you have a young child who can’t write yet? Have them tell you a story while you write it down in a book. Then, reread them the story, one page at a time, and have them illustrate it!
4. Create a Photobook
Take lots of pictures to document this time. Capture photos of your children, your walks, your crafts, and your cooking.
At the end of this isolation, order a photobook online. Many companies offer space to add text, so it would be a great place to log what happened, how, etc.
5. Plant a Tree
If you have access to tree seed or saplings, plant a new tree in your yard. You can order a plaque or make one yourself.
This tree can be an inspiration, years from now, showing that in a rough time, we persevered and made it through . . . life continued and plants still grew.
This time can be scary and stressful. If you’re able, try to fill the time with positive and fun activities. Stay safe and healthy!
By Angela French
4/17/2020
Angela French is the Senior Product Development and Content Manager at Really Good Stuff. She has worked for the company for nearly seven years and has created hundreds of resources for the classroom. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Her classroom experiences include teaching grade levels K–5 and inclusion, special education, literacy intervention, and gifted and talented programs in three different states