I do an activity with the families at my school that involves them finding pictures, clippings from magazines, etc that begin with the first letter of their child's name. They glue to a sheet of construction paper and then we use their specially made paper as a learning tool. The lessons learned from this particular activity is letter recognition, letter sounds, environmental print, counting, and math concepts. I also use it as a way of engaging conversation so I can access the child's communication/listening skills. It is a great social/emotional tool. They do the activity with their parents and that is called quality time. It is a very simple activity and doesn't cost very much and we get so much out of it. I even make me one each time so the children can see things that start with M and it becomes important to them if teacher has to do homework too.
Well, while doing this activity this year it hit me how it could be used in our journaling. If you are one who decorates your covers this activity is perfect for you to personalize your journal. Find things in magazines to cut out that begin with the first letter of your name and glue them to the cover of your journal. Cover them with clear packaging tape to secure them and keep them from coming off. This will be a different way to make your journal stand out from the rest you have done.
If you do not want to do it as a cover idea, then place them randomly throughout your journal pages to decorate them. Or you could use the clippings as a way of signing off for the day. And you could use the clippings as a prompt to write something about it relating to you or your name as an entry for the day.
You could use the time spent looking for the pictures as a way have quality time with your own children or grandchildren. They could help you find the perfect things to cut out.
And I also cut out different Ms in different fonts and colors and sizes and used them on my paper.
I have used magazine clippings for many things in my journals. I can't throw a magazine away until I have harvested out every possible picture, saying, poem, quote, letter, etc to use in my journal or my buddy journal or traveling journal. Many prompts have come from the simplest thing from a magazine.
Have fun and share of the fun you had doing this activity. God bless your life, Marshel
