At the start of summer I get the girls their own notebook. Each morning I write a message to Tori and Ally in their notebooks. At some point during the day, they have to write back to me and then in the evening, they give me back their notebook. Keeping the journal helps me accomplish several goals. For Tori, it’s great practice with cursive handwriting and spelling. It also gives me a peek into things she may not be comfortable saying to me. For Ally, it helps her practice both spelling and sentence construction along with penmanship. And for both, it helps me work with them on expressing themselves through the written word. And, as a bonus, we have a record of our summer!
Sample entry from Tori’s journal
Me:
Dear Tori,
Did you have fun in St. Louis? I missed you! You are doing well at volleyball-keep practicing! Book Club will be fun tonight.
Love, Mom
Tori:
Dear Mom,
I can not wait for book club! Tomorrow will be fun! Today it is going to be hot! I do not want you to go to Florida.
Love, Tori
Sample entry from Ally’s journal
Me: Good morning, Ally! Happy first day of summer break. It will be a fun day! Love, Mommy Ally: Dear Mommy, I have waited for this day to come Mommy! Love, Ally S.