Create a "memory" that your child can take to school to remind him of home. Make one for his cubby, backpack or lunchbox.

1. Spread some recent photos on the table and let your child choose images of family members, pets, and special friends.

2. Help cut and glue them onto the background. Let your child arrange the composition.

3. Add some familiar smells and textures. For example, soak a cotton ball with your perfume or any scent that is comforting to your child. Glue it to the collage.

4. Add a small Velcro tab on the background. This allows you to alternate small items like a teddy bear or a piece of fabric.

5. Let your child use markers and crayons to decorate.

By: Karen Baicker

• Sturdy backing such as thick cardboard or poster board
• Family photographs
• Glue or glue stick
• Scissors
• Crayons or markers
• Small "snippets from home"

• Counting skills
• Attention to detail