Journaling
When we talk about getting children to read, we usually think of using story books, comics, magazines and school books. Well, here is one more for you - YOUR OWN FAMILY STORIES. Journaling and family history can be an exciting read for your children as well.

Just the other day, I was talking to my daughter about an experience I had when I was younger. I can’t remember what I said but I remember her saying “Oh, I know that, I read that in your book.” The book she was referring to was “My Book of Remembrance.” It’s a file that I worked on a few years back detailing everything about me. Here is what I have in the file:

  • Biodata e.g. date of birth, place of birth, IC number, Education… basically like a CV or a resume
  • Certificates e.g. copy of birthcert, exam results etc…
  • Chart of my family tree
  • History of my life - my family, my early years, teenage years, university years. Each stage of my life is given a brief description. Just writing things like who my friends were, which school I went to, favorite things, hobbies and talents, special occasions.
  • Also included is an 11 page paper about “My Early Years” which I wrote back in 1996 for a Family History class I took in Uni.
  • A page of picture highlighting my life before children and another page highlighting my life
    after children.

I still need to add to this file. The reason for doing “My Book Of Remembrance” is so I can pass this on to my descendants. They will know and remember me, through me. Mind you, this is not a journal. You don’t have to write personal things that you don’t want people to read about. This Book of Remembrance is more like snippets of your life — things that would help your children get to know you better e.g. a favorite vacation, what influenced you in your choice of religion, your hopes and goals, describe your wedding day etc…. You could also have a page where you voice your counsel to future generations. Imagine what questions would you ask your great grandfather if he was alive today?

Children love to read stories of their own parents and ancestors. Can you imagine your child learning in history class about WWII and then having them read or listen to an account of their own grandparent living through that time period. Wouldn’t you think it would add some excitement to their learning?

Children also love to hear stories about themselves when they were younger. I’m now trying to put greater effort into writing a weekly journal for each child, including pictures. This is also a good way to entice them into literacy. Ask them for their input — what do they want to remember for that week?
A craft they made?
A trip somewhere?
A song they learned?
A book they read?
A skill they mastered?

Family stories make a great tool to encourage reading and writing among children. Many of us have these stories in our heads. But there is a saying that goes like this:
A BLUNT PENCIL IS BETTER THAN A SHARP MEMORY.

Plus, your children can’t curl up on the pillows with a memory. Put them down on paper and see if you can put some fuel into their passion for reading.