School's Out - Let's create memories

The school year is drawing to a close.  As much as the kids are excited about summer, don't rush into it without taking time to celebrate all they've accomplished this last school year.  For 9 months they have worked hard, studied and learned more than we could have imagined.   They say a child's mind is like a sponge, I witness this in my children every day and I am constantly amazed.

Image: Wiser Today and Still Learning

Below are some ideas that will help you to capture their year and growth.  By continuting to do these at the end of every school year you will create a keepsake that both you and your child will cherish. 

End of Year Interviews:

Do an exit interview with your children each year and include a photo from the last day of school.  This is a great way to capture exactly who your child is right now. 

Image & Idea:  Alphamom

Image, Idea & Free Download - All For The Boys

Image, Idea & Free Download: Teacher's Notebook

If these samples don't suit your taste, you can easily create a fun layout in either Word or Excel and make up your own questions to personalize the interview for your family. 

First Day vs. Last Day Photos:

I have always been good about snapping a photo on the first day of school but have missed most last days.  Not any more.  I love this idea of juxtaposing your child's first and last days with side by side photos.  At the stages my kids are in, their teeth (or lack thereof) will be the biggest change.

Image & Idea: The Larson Lingo

This one is the best though (get ready to pull out the hankies).  Christina from Christina Dieselberg captured her son on his last day of high school holding a photo of his first day of kindergarten.  Just thinking about my kids reaching this milestone makes me teary. 

Image & Idea: Christina Dieselberg

Self Portrait - Then and Now:

I also love how Mel from the Larson Lingo had her daughter's draw a self-portrait in Setpember and June.  The difference between the two really shows how much she has learned and improved.

Image & Idea: The Larson Lingo

What to do Next?: 

Put it together and create a School Memories Album for each of your kids.  Both my husband and I had one growing up and we still love looking back at what we envisioned for ourselves each year.  Now we read them together with our kids.  They love seeing the school work, photos and dream jobs we listed each year.

While you can purchase nice pre-made memory albums, with home computers and printers being so good, you can create a pretty spectacular product right at home.  Continue doing these activities each year and you will eventually be able to have them bound into your very own hardcover school memories book.