JAR YOUR MEMORY
Why play this way?
Memories are made up of small moments. In Nancy’s case, these are represented by concrete objects that help to jog her memories. Your little one will create a tangible collection of small moments, appreciating them both in the present and later on, as treasured memories. This play experience fosters a sense of nostalgia as children reflect and share while building a keepsake that can be cherished for years to come.
SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 5 Minutes
Ready
A clear glass or plastic jar
Jar decorating materials (e.g., tissue paper, stickers, pom poms, etc.)
Glue and/or tape
Scrap paper of various colors and textures (e.g., envelopes, construction paper, receipts, newspaper, cardboard, etc.)
Crayons, pens, or colored pencils
Paper large enough to outline your little one’s body
Set
Explain that you will be making a Memory Jar:
- Like Nancy, we all hold memories inside of us. A memory is like a special picture in your mind of something that already happened.
- Throughout the week, we will choose special moments to record and save in your jar.
Get started by personalizing your jar with decorations.
Place the jar in a central spot along with your paper scraps and drawing tools.
Play!
FILL YOUR MEMORY JAR
Find times to talk about your experiences and identify which special moments you would like to record.
Draw and/or write them on scraps of paper and place them in your Memory Jar until it’s full!
MAKE YOUR MEMORY COLLAGE
Invite your little one to lie down on the paper so you can trace their outline.
Arrange the pieces of paper from your Memory Jar inside your outline and attach them with glue.
Hang your artwork and revisit it often as a reminder that we all hold special memories inside of us.
