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Family Memory Projects By Melissa J Wantuck  |
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 If you’re looking for new ways to spend time with your kids that will have a lasting positive impact on them, try a memory project.
Memory projects, including scrapbooks or photo albums, are a great way to spend time as a family and completed projects can be viewed over and over again. Most often memory projects are birthdays, holidays or vacations. They are as simple or ornate as you choose to make them, but no matter what, in the end they are timeless keepsakes your family will enjoy viewing for a lifetime.
The key is simplification and not to forget about some of the every day activities you participate in as a family, such as reading a book together, watching a television show everyone enjoys, eating dinner, going for a walk, etc. Those make great memory projects and the simpler you make them the faster you can complete them.
To get started, choose a simple activity for your first memory project. You should plan to include pictures, memorabilia and areas for everyone in the family to write their thoughts. The important thing to keep in mind no matter what project you choose is to use materials that will protect your pictures and not fade or discolor them. Look for acid free and lignin free photo safe materials. These are available everywhere so you won’t have trouble finding them.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Record the books you read as a family.
Take a picture of each book, pictures of everyone together reading, etc. Get creative! Have someone write a brief plot summery then have each member of your family write their own review of the book. You can also write about favorite characters, characters you don’t like, or any aspect of the story that stands out to each family member. Set up your own rating system and use star stickers to rate each book.
2. Go on a nature walk.
Take your kids on a nature walk either around your neighborhood or visit a park. Take pictures of trees, plants, flowers and wildlife then identify and label in your album the objects you see. Include pressed leaves and flowers that you collect on the walk.
3. Assemble a family recipe book.
Have everyone in your family choose their favorite recipes and look for new ones then cook them together as a family on family meal nights. Don’t forget to take pictures as you all prepare the meal and then sit down and enjoy it together. Write up the recipe for the album and include it with the photos.
4. Record the movies you watch.
Whether you go to the movie theater or rent and watch at home, keep track of the movies you watch, say during summer vacation or during the year. Use the Internet to print pictures and information about the movies and the actors, write plots and reviews. Develop your own rating system and use stickers to rate each movie. Get creative: instead of star stickers, use popcorn stickers. One popcorn sticker is for poor, while five popcorn stickers is for excellent.
Based on the activity you choose, select an album (any style, your preference based on your activity), some paper (for journaling and labeling), a pen (photo safe, acid and lignin free, and won’t fade over time) and an adhesive (tape-like adhesives are the easiest to use and they’re not messy).
For the album, stick to the basics and buy any of the following: a three-ring binder with top-loading sheet protectors, a photo album, a photo album with sections for labeling, or a scrapbook of any size. The cost, depending on what you choose, will range from $3 to $20.
Next, buy your paper. Its size will depend on the kind of album you buy. If you chose a photo album you won’t need a lot paper as you’ll be cutting it down to fit in the photo slots. If you chose a binder, you’ll need paper that fits the size of the top-loading sheet protectors. If you will be printing a lot of pictures and information from the internet or typing up your own captions, buy printer paper that is photo safe. Costs will vary depending on size and amount.
Last, buy an adhesive dispenser and a pen for writing. This adhesive dispenser from www.Joann.com is about $5. Here is a single pen with black ink that will cost you about $2. You’ll spend more if you want a variety of colors.
Now you’re reading. Get started and make some memories!
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