Keepsake Journal
Collection of Memories
The relationships children form with their environment and others provides them with a sense of belonging and helps them to understand their place and value in the world. When the time spent with people or favorite places changes for any reason, children like adults experience a sense of loss and connection. A Keepsake Journal helps children to reconnect with others by sharing things about themselves and their own good memories and a way to connect with people and places they miss. This helps children to realize the people they love and the world have not changed.
I made a Keepsake Journal with my grandmother as a child, and I still love reading about the people and their stories before going to bed.
Below are two methods for making a Keepsake Journal
Method One
You will need:
Buy a 3-ring notebook, or 8 ½ by 11 inch pre-made journal, or two pieces of 8 ½ inch construction paper for the front and back.
Glue
Markers to decorate
To begin:
Fill out the questions with your child about their life, and have your immediate family do the same. Add them to the journal.
Next, make a list of important people in your child's life such as: the child’s best friend, teacher, neighbor, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives, etc.
Then, send the introduction and questions below for them to fill out.
Dear (name of recipient)
Please fill this out for (child’s name). We are making a Keepsake Journal we can use to feel close to you.
Our journal pages will be 8 ½ by 11, so please keep that in mind. Feel free to print out the questions and answer them and to decorate your pages anyway you like since they will be placed in a keepsake journal for (child's name), which is sure to become a treasured keepsake for many years to come.
Here’s a basic list of questions. Please add any additional ones you’d like.
1. When and where were you born?
2. What is the name of your parents and siblings?
3. Tell me about your best childhood memory. (for older adults) Tell me about your best memory. (for child)
4. What is your favorite color? Why? (note children may not know why)
5. What is your favorite song? Why?
6. What is your favorite book? Tell me a bit about the story.
7. What is your favorite movie? Tell me a bit about the story.
8. What is your favorite place? Tell me a bit about it.
9. What is your favorite food?
10. What is your favorite restaurant? What do you order there?
11. What is the best thing that happened to you in school, or preschool, or at home (if younger)?
12. Who was your best friend growing up? Why were they your best friend? (for older adults) Who is your best friend now? Why are they your best friend? (for children)
13. Tell me a story about your life? (when I was young, I used to love hearing the stories before bed)
14. What was the very best thing that happened to you today?
Method Two
You will need:
Buy a 3-ring notebook, or 8 ½ by 11 inch pre-made journal, or two pieces of 8 ½ inch construction paper for the front and back.
Glue
Markers to decorate
The Temi app on your smartphone or computer (or use another Recorder and Transcriber app)
Have your participants Download Temi (Recorder and Transcriber app) or another app you prefer.
Then, tell them to read the questions and provide their answers, so Temi will transcribe it for them.
Next, have them send you the transcription to add to your Keepsake Journal.
Below is the URL for Temi.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/temi-recorder-transcriber/id1269856195
Print out the Transcription and decorate the pages with your child before adding to the Keepsake Journal.
Wishing you and yours the best always, LaRonna