Small Frye is a free monthly program for preschoolers and their caregivers. If you are not able to attend, you can check back here every month for a different artmaking activity inspired by the story. To learn more about the program, including how to register, visit our program page.
In October, we read Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol.
Watch the video and reflect on the story with your child using the questions below.
REFLECTING PROMPTS
What’s going on in this story?
Why do you think Freda kept so many things in jars? Would you do the same thing that Freda did to help remember all of your favorite things? Why or why not?
Memories are made by our brain to help us learn, keep, and use information. What is a memory that makes you happy when you think about it? Tell the story of what happened.
We can use all of our senses to help us remember even more! Close your eyes and think about your happy memory. Pretend you’re back where the story happened! What do you see? What do you smell? Did you eat anything? Were there noises or a song playing?
ARTMAKING
Freda realized that she had more fun enjoying all her favorite things than just keeping them in jars. Thinking about her memories made her happy! We can make art about our memories and get to enjoy our memories all over again!
One way we can remember is by writing or telling stories. Some people use journals to help them remember, other people like to talk to their friends about what has happened to them. You can build a routine to help you remember every day! Download and print this memory worksheet. Cut along the dotted line and make a fun memory game to play before bedtime. Put each slip of paper in a jar to keep by your bed and choose one question to talk about every night.
Another way to help you remember something is to make art! You can draw a picture of a place you visit all the time, make a portrait of a friend or pet, or sketch out a story. Clay is another way to record memories. You can use it to make an imprint or fossil of something like a hand, flower, or toy. Or make a sculpture of something by pinching, rolling, and coiling the clay.
And you can even act like Freda and collect items that help you remember a story, place, or person. Go on a walk and find stones, pretty leaves, or feathers! Trade bracelets or pins with friends and family members. You can also take pictures or get a postcard when you visit a new place.
The end of the story has a recipe for blueberry jam to make along with Freda and her grandma. If you don’t have the book at home, you can use this recipe or another to create your own blueberry jam memories.