Any ol’ sketch book works great as an art journal for kids! Even a lined notebook will work fine.
How:
- Every day (or so) pull out their art journal.
- Turn to a clean page and either you or your kid write the date in the corner of that page.
- Then ask your kid to draw one or two things they enjoyed doing that day.
- You can also ask other questions like what’s your favorite food, color, animal, and so on (even write the question next to the date).
- Having a special marker set just for their journal may make it seem even more important.
What’s the purpose of an art journal for kids?
- It can be a regular art project, that’s different every time.
- A quick art project that doesn’t require much preparation.
- Regular time that your kid reflects on the positive things during that day.
- Gives you, as a parent, feedback.
Number four will be different for every kid and parent…but for me, I’ve really enjoyed seeing what things stand out to my kids. I’ve been shocked a couple times, as to what “Chuckers” would draw…not that it was bad…it was just something I thought he wouldn’t have chosen to draw, let alone even remember.
With all those reasons aside, one of the best advantages to an art journal (or any journal for that matter) comes later in life. Sure pictures can preserve how people looked when they were younger, but nothing can preserve feels better than a journal. Helping your kids develop a habit of recording their lives in a journal now, will be priceless for both you and them later.