Summer is well underway here and as I wrap up the annual figure-out-what-to-do-with-all-the-school-papers project I thought I would share an idea for those special school projects that come home with your children.

Earlier this year when my fourth grader brought home a poem she had written for English class, I knew that it deserved a place outside of her school papers folder.  Her teacher had asked the students to select an emotion to write a poem about – she chose Appreciation, be still my heart.

Together we created this little book that combined her words + my photos.

The dust jacket was a perfect place to explain the story behind the project and also include an “About the Author” profile.

By creating a simple formula – 1 poem line  + 1 photo – we were able to quickly pull this book together with pages such as this…

Although we made this book simply for us to enjoy her beautiful poem, once we received the book she suggested we give it to her teachers as a year-end thank you gift.  So we ordered up a few more copies, she added a personal note and wrapped them up.  My heart melted a bit when she decided to write the favorite poem she learned from her English teacher on her card…

This book is a different take on the idea of creating a book for your child’s artwork.  Perhaps someday I will decide to undertake that project!  As you are sorting through the mounds of papers and projects that found their way into your home these last few weeks, consider curating a few of the best for a special display that honors your child’s creativity and hard work this year.