While the go-to style of writing during travel is a daily journal, sometimes it's time to mix things up a bit and get some creative juices flowing by writing the travels from a new character's perspective. Here's what you need to do with your kiddo...
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Read some mentor books.
These books are all about characters visiting a new place. Notice how the authors incorporate the character's unique traits into the story. Point out how the perspective of the character changes how a place is seen and described. Reading a variety of mentor texts can help to spark some fresh ideas as well as clarify features that make the text interesting.
DEVELOP A Character
Have your child create his/her own character to write about on the trip. If you are already planning to bring along a stuffed friend, that would be a perfect character to use. Alternatively, a new character could be created from scratch. Brainstorm together how the character will feel, think, act, and speak.
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Think about Perspective
The different perspective of the character is what can make the story really engaging and fun. Think of my two different characters visiting Pike Place in Seattle. While Mr. Mickels, as a mouse, is going to get most excited about the Beecher's Cheese shop with all of the samples, Theodore, as a bear, is going to zero in on the throwing fish and the honey stands.
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Develop specific Vocabulary
Cute notepads on Amazon!
It's helpful to be brainstorming ideas and vocabulary while out each day. I suggest having your child bring a small notepad (these ones are cute!) to keep track of ideas to include. Names of places and new vocabulary can be hard to remember without keeping notes.
In addition, you can keep a list of ongoing vocabulary that is specific to your character's traits and situation to use throughout the book! Keep this list in the front of the notepad, on an index card to use a bookmark, or digitally.
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Publishing
For a simple, hand-published book, simply fold sheets of blank paper into a booklet.
For typing, I like creating books in Powerpoint (if you have it). If your family travels a lot, this could also be an excellent opportunity to blog. I'd read that!
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Decide on Photography or Illustration
Your child might want to draw all of the illustrations for the book. But another option is to take pictures with the character throughout the trip.
Photography works great if it character is already a stuffed animal, like Theodore. However, you could also pack along a drawing of the character, like my Mr. Mickels. Just cut around the edges and make it sturdy. (This travels better as card stock or construction paper if you have it. A binder clip can help hold the paper guy up.)
Photos work the best for typing up a digital book, while hand illustrations are easiest for the paper books. But both are quite fun projects.
Travel writing doesn't always have to be the typical daily journal. Spark up creativity with this fun project. And don't forget to visit my shop for more educational travel resources for your family.
