Keep those new writing skills fresh by having your child keep a journal, writing about the things she does each day. You might want to have her keep it for a specific length of time.

Not only will you be helping your child with writing, you are also creating a keepsake to help you remember those special years when your child was small.

What You'll Need

• Notebook
• Pencils, pens and crayons

Here's How To Do It Set aside a short period of time each day and have your child tell you something that was special about her day.

Right before bedtime would be good as this can be a good settle down activity for your child. Allow about 10 minutes or so for the child to write her ideas down. The entries do not have to be long. The goal is to have your child enjoy the activity. She could write one or two sentences along with a picture. Have her read the entry back to you.

Donna Adkins was Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 2004. She's a National Board Certified Teacher with experience teaching grades k-3.

Updated May 2008