A while back I bought a large sketch book for Jack. I had a writing ritual that I was envisioning, but, as often happens, he had a completely different idea for the book. And, as also often happens, his idea blew mine out of the water.
You see, he decided he wanted to make his own 'blog,' but in notebook form. Hmmm. I would like to say he was inspired by my blogger-ly pursuits. Alas, no. He was actually referencing a Disney flick we watched one movie night, called Harriet the Spy Blog Wars in which Harriet is the class blogger. Unlike Harriet's blog about pre-teen angst, however, Jack decided his blog was going to be about LEGO Star Wars, one of his 'passions' (in his words).
For each blog 'post' he chooses a LEGO Star Wars figure, and writes the character's name on the top of a blank page. Then I help him outline a jumbo-sized version of the figure in pencil. He then re-outlines it in crayon, and colors it in, according to his very exacting specifications. When he's done, he wonders, excitedly, how many 'hits' this particular post is going to get. It's ridiculously adorable and so refreshingly low-tech, despite his precocious labeling of it.
And, you know that I am in my glory too: there is writing involved, the tracing of the lines works on eye-hand coordination, and the coloring of such a large picture is a great workout for little hand muscles. But best of all, I love that it's a ritual that gives him immense joy, so much so that he asks to do it every day ("Mom, you wanna blog with me?" ...or... "Do you think Dad will blog with me tonight before bedtime?"). Well, of course!
An activity of his own invention, fueled by his own motivations -- so very self-satisfying and habit-forming, in such a good way.
And what a cool keepsake it will be! What boy wouldn't be proud of his first LEGO Star Wars blog?
Do your kids have any little writing projects they are particularly attached to lately? Please share -- let us know in the comments or email me pictures or links if you would like me to share them with everyone here. I'm sure we will all be inspired!
My boys think this pretty cool. Max (6 1/2) wants to know where is Luke Skywalker with his lightsaber? It's gorgeous.
Posted by: Meg | 16 March 2011 at 10:55 PM
I love your son's blog. Its wonderful record keeping.
My 7 year old son B, has a blog too- an internet version. I started it as a way to keep a record of his prolific drawings and art work. (so then I didn't have to keep all the originals) Initially he was keen to tell me the story behind each piece and I would type the post as he spoke, but now he is not so enthusiastic. So I just photograph and post pieces he thinks are special. I hope one day he will compose posts all by himself.
My husband says its time to do the same for my 3 year old daughter, but I think I'll wait till she is a least 5, but she does give me her drawings and say,
"This is for my blog"
Our children certainly are the content making generation.
Posted by: Chapter Forty | 16 March 2011 at 11:37 PM
my 5 year old loves this too ("wow!") He'd dtotally be a follower of this new blog... :P
Posted by: leslie | 17 March 2011 at 09:55 AM
So incredible, Jen! What an amazing idea that Jack came up with! What a way to take ownership of something so long lasting!
Posted by: rya levin | 17 March 2011 at 08:49 PM
That is too precious!
Posted by: Amy @ Increasingly Domestic | 18 March 2011 at 12:49 AM
Nice work...how old is your son?
Posted by: Jocelyn | 18 March 2011 at 03:29 AM
And wow, I see you've written a book! Nicely done! I shall have to have it for myself! I love what you post here and have used a lot of your writing tips with my children who are now 2, 3, and 5 years old - not quite in kindergarten. Thanks for what you share!
http://beinglds.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jocelyn | 18 March 2011 at 03:33 AM
Jack is 6 1/2. (I have a hard time even typing that -- how fast they grow!)
Posted by: Jennifer | 18 March 2011 at 07:44 AM
Wow, he's really talented.
Posted by: Townmouse - Kristine | 19 March 2011 at 06:02 PM
That's awesome!! I started writing for my local paper about 8 months ago, and I conduct all my interviews and take notes at all meetings in a regular spiral bound notebook. I handed one to my daughter one day while I was trying to do an interview, to distract her, and now she calls it her "article" and she puts stickers in it, draws in it, and "interviews" people. Love it.
Posted by: Fun Mama - Deanna | 20 March 2011 at 01:39 AM
Amazing artist. It must run in the family. :)
Posted by: christine | 31 March 2011 at 02:07 AM
Hmmm...makes me wonder what the next generation is going to be like! I also like the bit of unschooling modeling going on. Our kids see our passions and emulate with passions similar to try on a shoe and see if it fits. Too cute.
Posted by: Amy @ simply necessary | 01 April 2011 at 01:59 PM
I am right there with you on ideas that are blown out of the water. I helped my kids make journals, so that they could record observations of the seeds they planted. They ended up using a store bought notebook, but the journaling was SO cool. Big M added to his picture everyday and even drew a ruler to show the growth. (I guess sometimes we just have to be happy with providing the tools and freedom to create!)
Posted by: Jillian | 12 April 2011 at 11:22 PM
Very cool! I'm a kindergarten teacher and my six year old's fav hobbies are doodling, writing, and drawing. She actually just made a book.
Check it out on my blog. http://lifeiswhatyoumakeit2.blogspot.com/2011/04/gadget-free-fun-make-book.html
My blog is a lot about low-tech ways to have fun with your kids. Hope to see you around. : )
Posted by: jen | 17 April 2011 at 07:22 PM
This is amazing...can you tell me where you find the large versions of the images to outline. My son would love this!! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Tish | 29 May 2011 at 03:54 PM
This is really quite adorable. Love the drawings (we love Star Wars). I was an avid fan of your blog a few years ago and just re-found you again. I'm glad. :)
Posted by: Only-smallthings.blogspot.com | 24 June 2011 at 10:42 PM