Scrapbooking: A Family Affair #1 Journaling

Welcome to the first post of Scrapbooking: A Family Affair!

I am so excited to have you here, and hope you are able to use the tips and techniques I'll be sharing to get your family involved in
your paper craft creations.

When I introduced this new venture a couple of days ago I had showcased the layout ‘School Rules!'. In this layout, a separate journaling tag was given to each member of our family to record their thoughts on the upcoming school year. I thought that since our first SAFA post was only two days after the big announcement, that it would only be fitting to continue with the journaling theme!

Focusing on the journaling aspect of scrapbook layouts, I encourage you to let everyone in your family share their thoughts on events. Years from now you will love to read each person's memories about your recent family vacation or when your child scored a winning goal. If your child is able, have them print themselves (you can help with spelling if you like). If not, don't worry, even the youngest child can be interviewed
with Mom or Dad jotting down what they say.

Our featured layout today shows an event that is memorable in
every child's life - losing their first tooth!

My daughter was thrilled to include her thoughts on this event. She was six at the time. The random words she chose to write get her feelings across without more complex sentences or paragraphs (which would be more suitable to an older child). I love seeing her printing at that stage, and how she chose to embellish 'The Tooth Fairy' journaling tag
with little stars.

Toddlers & Preschoolers: can be interviewed by a parent. Write the Q&A on your layout or start your journaling with "In ..........'s words:" Have the child print their own name if they are able. Another option is to let them 'write' out their thoughts, with your 'translation' underneath.

Early Years: Let your child print by themselves. You can use a ruler & pencil to make lines on your layout (to be erased later) if you would like the journaling to go in a certain spot. An easier way is to use tags or cut-outs. Younger children can write single word thoughts and emotions which can be added collage-style to your layout. This is similar to the 'Word Walls' they have in their classrooms at school. Older children can write simple sentences. Have them practice on scrap paper first if you are worried. Correct spelling if you wish - it's completely up to you!

Older Kids: Give them a pen and let them run with it! Older kids can write sentences and paragraphs with ease. Ask for their opinion where the journaling should be placed on the memory page. Get creative! These are the kids who are going to love things that pop-up or hide-away. Maybe you've made a pocket with a pull-out journaling tag or a flower that has journaling on each petal. Or how about a paper airplane that unfolds to reveal that child's thoughts?

Now, it's your turn!
Get your kids involved in journaling on your next layout.

We would love to see what you come up with. Feel free to share a link with us to your family-made memory pages (that include journaling) in the comment section.
Be sure to add the ages of your children and how they helped when posting.

Although this is not a formal challenge, my kiddos and I are committed to sharing the love when it comes to family scrapbooking and we would love to have the chance to comment on your creation. Plus, you never know when we might award a lucky family with a small RAK in the mail!