How to Make a Child's Diary

My five year old daughter came home from school one day with a couple of folded papers with drawings on them and exclaimed, "Momma, I made a diary on the bus!!" At that moment, she gave me a great idea for a fun craft that we both really enjoyed doing. She "writes" in her very own diary almost every day by drawing pictures and writing words she's learned in her Kindergarten class. I love the idea that one day, she'll be able to see a nice progression of thoughts, writing skills, and creativity that were blossoming at such a young age. Her diary has become a portal to her thoughts for me, and aside from that, she's practicing very important academic skills in a way that really interests her.

This craft is easy enough for a younger child, and involves enough imagination to keep some older children interested in it. The best ages for this craft range from 4-10.

What you'll need:

-About 15 sheets of blank 8.5 x 11 paper
-A self adhesive sheet of foam paper
-Self Adhesive foam letters -or- foam glue and scissors.
-A Stapler
-Scissors

Instructions:

1. Fold all of the blank papers in half so that you have a little booklet of paper.
2. Staple them along the "spine." Staple them close to the edge, but not so close that the staples may come out.
3. Peel the backing off of the self-adhesive foam sheet and lay it sticky side up on a flat surface.
4. Carefully place your booklet of blank papers, with the spine facing to the left, on the right half of the of the foam sheet.
5. Fold the left side of the foam sheet over the paper booklet so that you have the beginning of what looks like a book!
6. Trim the edges of the foam paper so that there isn't a lot of excess foam.
7. Use the foam letters to customize the diary, ie. "Sarah's Diary," or, "Lisa's Doodle Book."

Suggestions:

Buy strips of Velcro and use it to create a flap that keeps the diary closed. Just cut a strip of foam, and attach it to the back of the diary, near the pages, and in the center of the book. Then, just add the Velcro to the bottom of the strip and to the front of the diary where the flap will attach to the book.

Use other foam pieces, glitter, buttons, lace, feathers or anything at all to decorate the journal.

Use the journal as a way to connect with your child by having her tell you about how her day at school went in her diary. If she's not old enough to write, have her draw pictures. Give her prompts, such as, "Draw a picture of your face when you got that sticker in class."

Before attaching the foam sheet to the paper booklet, cut out a square "window" on the left side (adesive side up). Then, before peeling the adhesive paper from it, place it over the paper booklet and trace the window onto it. Find picture your child drew, have her draw it, or get a photograph to glue over that spot. When you attach the foam sheet to the paper, you'll have a nice, custom cover picture.