DIY Journals 

(Fine Motor Skills Activity)

The most common question I've been asked at parent teacher conferences is what can I do to help my child at home. Workbooks, flashcards and drilling is NOT the answer. At the preschool level the two things I tell every parent to do at home is READ and give time for kids to develop fine motor skills. 

This activity is a fast, simple way to let kids develop fine motor skills. They are involved in creating a journal that's theirs that they can take pride and ownership in. The key part is to allow the kids the freedom to add to the pages as they want to. Some will color every page, some will write stories, some will write marks on each page but since there is no right or wrong every child succeeds at this activity. 

You can help prompt your child with ideas like: draw what we saw today at the park, or write me a story about our trip to the grocery store.

Materials:

Blank Computer Paper (Amazon: Copy Paper)

Construction Paper (Amazon: Crayola Construction Paper)

Stapler

Directions:

1. Fold 5 pieces of blank computer paper in half and set aside. 

2. Have your child pick their favorite colored construction paper and fold in half (This will be the cover). 

3. Place the white paper inside of the construction paper.

4. Staple along the folded seam of the papers to create a spine for the journal.

5. Allow your child to color, 'write' or draw anything the want to. 

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

TIP:

Journals are great to take with you on summer travels too! Make a few journals ahead of time then add a box of crayons and throw into a reusable snack bag and you have a grab and go activity ready. (I like these Amazon: 1/2 Gallon Silcone Snack Bags but anything that keeps the crayons contained and the paper dry and flat will work).