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Making Memories
By Robin DeRosa Lundgren
Memory boxes are a great way for kids to capture
memories of a special time. More detailed than a
photo album, yet not quite as elaborate as a
scrapbook, a memory box can be any size box or
container that is decorated and filled with photos
and trinkets from a specific event. In this month’s
activity, kids will enjoy collecting and displaying
their memorabilia and having a chance to put their
creativity to work.
Putting a memory box together is a quick, simple
project, making it a better option for kids than a
scrapbook, which can be an ongoing and more
time-consuming project.
Children can make memory boxes to commemorate a
special event or time in their lives, such as a
birthday party, the first day of kindergarten or a
family vacation. A birthday party memory box might
include a picture of the birthday child, list of
guests, birthday cards received, a party favor and
perhaps a written account of what happened at the
party. A trip to the zoo might include an admission
ticket, a map of the zoo, a trinket or postcard
purchased at the gift shop and some photos.
The best thing about memory boxes is that they are
simple enough to be put together by children of all
ages. Very young children might fill their box with
things they’ve collected - ticket stubs, photos,
drawings. Older children’s boxes could also include
written accounts of what they did, to accompany
their memorabilia. As you help your child assemble
items to include in a memory box, you may decide to
make one yourself! It’s a great way to preserve your
family history.
What you need:
-A sturdy box or container (shoebox, plastic bin,
etc.)
-Decorating items - markers, crayons, stickers,
photos, drawings, paint, glue, etc.
-Items to include in the box, specific to theme or
event. (Make sure they fit in the box and are
non--perishable.)
-Paper and pen for written accounts.
What to do:
1. Help your child identify an event in her life to
highlight in her memory box. What made that event
special? Why does she want to remember it?
2. Have your child choose a box and decorate it.
Encourage him to be creative, making a box that
reflects his theme.
3. Assist your child in collecting items to include
in her box. If the event is in the future, help her
identify things to get for her box. For example, if
she is going to see a play, she will want to take
pictures at the theater and be sure to keep her
ticket stub and program.
4. If your child is old enough to write, encourage
him to include a written account of the event he is
showcasing. Point out to him that someday he might
enjoy reading what he writes about his experiences
as a child.
5. When your child’s box is finished, encourage her
to share its contents with friends and family
members. Help your child to store her memory box in
a safe, but accessible place so she can revisit her
memories whenever she wants.
How This Helps:
Cognition: the mental process of knowing by
developing awareness, perception and reasoning. In
this activity, children’s cognitive skills are
engaged when they make choices about what to store
in their box and sequence events in a written
narrative or out loud for others to hear. As well,
children are strengthening their memory by reviewing
events.
Fine Motor Skills: the use of small muscle movements
in the hands that occur in coordination with the
eyes. This project enhances fine motor skills
through writing, drawing, cutting, and gluing. Fine
motor skills are also utilized when kids write or
type an account of their special day.
Language: the expressive ability to communicate
ideas and needs, and the receptive ability to
understand what is said or written. This is a
language-enriched activity because of the ongoing
conversation about memories. Parents can further
facilitate discussion by using new vocabulary and
asking questions for their children to answer. “What
was your favorite memory? Tell me more. What makes
this picture special to you?”
Social Emotional Development: involves a child’s
feelings of self worth, confidence and pride, as
well as their ability to get along with others in a
group setting. Everyone loves to recall favorite
days filled with fun, family and friends. Children
will take great pride in their box of tangible
memories that they create themselves and can share
with others. It will be a family treasure for years
to come.
This monthly family activity series,
“Hands-on-Kids!” is brought to you by a partnership
between the Children’s Museum of Northern Virginia (CMNOVA)
and FAMILY Magazine. For more activities you can do
with your children to spark their love of learning,
visit the CMNOVA web site,
www.cmnova.org .
On their web site you will also find information
about the Children’s Museum of Northern Virginia and
how you can become involved. CMNOVA is committed to
building a place where our children can freely
explore and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Robin DeRosa Lundgren, a CMNOVA volunteer, is Vice
President of Aquarian Entertainment and creator of
the kids' cooking show "Culinary Kids”.
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