One of the best school years we ever had were the years that we followed the outline laid out by Ambleside Online. One of the recommended suggestions is to keep a “Current Events Notebook”. I’ve always thought it was a great idea, I’ve just never been consistent about actually implementing and sticking with one.
With the many changes taking place in our world today, I’ve thought again about scheduling a few minutes a week for my children to jot down what’s going on around the world. Originally, I thought I’d go with a simple notebook page. Somewhere the kids could record local, state, region, national and world news. They could make a note of unusual, uplifting, political, tragic and earth-shattering events as they transpire and record their feelings, thoughts, fears and hope for the future. I even began to work on a simple notebook page that would fill our need.
Then I ran across a website that describes how to make an altered composition book and fell in love with this simple craft and I was inspired.
The best part? This is a fun, easy and inexpensive craft that your child can complete in a matter of minutes with items found around your home. I didn’t purchase one thing—and believe me when I say that my home is not well stocked in the craft supply department!
I enjoyed this project so much that I stopped by the author’s blog to see if she offered any other craft ideas and what I discovered made me wish my kids were younger!
Turns out the blog owner of Spell Out Loud, Maureen Spell, is a homes
chooling mom of six, who has a real talent in the craft department! If you have little ones (baby to late elementary), you’ll love the ideas that she shares.
According to her Facebook page, she has a huge birthday bash planned for the beginning of April with lots of giveaways.
One last thing, if you have little ones, you should take a look at these step- by-step directions for creating I Spy Bottles! I can’t wait to make one for my niece and nephew next time they visit.
Now I can’t wait for my kids to put those Current Event Notebooks to use!
My 7yo and I did this for field trip and vacation journals! In one case she drew the cover and in the other we printed photos out and made a collage cover. We used mod podge to make the cover more wear resistant. We ended up with a bunch if dollar store composition books (left over from a church youth activity) and this is a great way to cover boring or inappropriate covers!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! I'm going to go take a look at her blog too.
ReplyDeleteTravel journals and a field trip journal were the first thought that came to my mind and we'll be working on those soon too. My kids love the look of these books and I love that you can be as basic or elaborate as you want and they'll look good either way. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you find a lot of craft ideas to keep you busy! :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm... current events is something that we are almost 100% neglecting. I don't even read the news myself. But I love your altered composition notebooks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jimmie! The current event journals really turned out nicely. I can't wait to sit down with the kids and make a few more. Can't blame you for not watching the news as most of the time I find it extremely depressing.
ReplyDelete