Create a Fab Friendship Journal
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Make a Fab Friendship Journal by decorating pages, writing prompts, adding drawings, stickers, and swapping kind notes to practice empathy and storytelling.

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Step-by-step guide to make a Fab Friendship Journal

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Be A Friendship Magnet: Friendship Skills for Kids

What you need
Blank notebook or stack of plain paper, coloring materials (crayons markers colored pencils), glue stick, pens or pencils, ruler optional, scissors, scrap paper or an envelope, stickers, tape

Step 1

Gather all the materials listed and find a comfy workspace where you can create.

Step 2

Make or choose your journal by stacking pages and stapling along the left edge or by opening a blank notebook to a fresh page.

Step 3

Create a bright title page by writing "My Fab Friendship Journal" plus your name and the date at the top.

Step 4

Decorate the title page with drawings coloring and stickers to make it look awesome.

Step 5

Turn to the next five pages and write one friendship prompt at the top of each page like "My favorite thing about you is" or "A fun memory we share."

Step 6

On each prompt page draw pictures or add stickers and colors that match the prompt.

Step 7

Make a Kind Notes pocket by folding a scrap paper into an envelope shape and gluing or taping it to the inside back cover.

Step 8

Write a short kind note to a friend on a small paper slip and fold it into the pocket.

Step 9

Give the journal to a friend or family member and ask them to answer a prompt or add a drawing on one page.

Step 10

Start a shared story on a new page by writing the first two sentences and leave space for your friend to continue.

Step 11

Add finishing touches by numbering pages dating entries and adding any final decorations you love.

Step 12

Share your finished Fab Friendship Journal on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a stapler to bind the journal?

If you can't staple your stacked pages along the left edge as instructed, punch two holes and tie them with yarn, use a binder clip, or glue the left edge with strong craft glue and clamp until dry.

My Kind Notes pocket won't stay stuck to the inside back cover—how do I fix it?

If the folded scrap-paper pocket from the step to 'Make a Kind Notes pocket' keeps falling off, reinforce it with double-sided tape or strong craft glue applied around all edges and secure a strip of clear tape or a stapled corner while it dries.

How can I adapt the steps for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, use a short stapled stack or open notebook page, let them decorate the title page with stickers and have an adult write simple prompts and fold the Kind Notes, while older kids can add extra prompt pages, longer shared-story entries, photos, numbered/dated entries, and invite friends to contribute before posting on DIY.org.

What are some ways to personalize or extend the Fab Friendship Journal?

Personalize and extend the journal by gluing photos or mementos to prompt pages, laminating or decorating the title page, adding extra Kind Notes pockets, attaching a ribbon bookmark to mark the shared-story page, or turning it into an ongoing pen‑pal where friends add entries over time.

Watch videos on how to make a Fab Friendship Journal

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How to Make Friends for Kids | It's Easy With Twinkl | Twinkl USA

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Facts about journaling, empathy, and storytelling for kids

✍️ Diaries and journals have been kept for centuries — famous examples include Anne Frank's diary.

🎨 Decorating pages with stickers, drawings, and colors can make memories and stories more vivid.

🤝 Friendship grows with shared stories and listening — small acts of kindness build trust and lasting bonds.

😊 Kids who write about their feelings often understand emotions better and feel calmer.

💌 Swapping kind notes and pen-pal style messages boosts happiness for both the sender and the receiver.

How do I make a Fab Friendship Journal with my child?

Start with a blank notebook or staple together decorated pages. Set a theme and create sections: prompts, drawing pages, sticker art, and a pocket for kind notes. Add simple writing prompts and sentence starters, then decorate together using markers, stickers, and collages. Encourage swapping notes with friends or family and include time to read and respond. Rotate prompts weekly to practice empathy, storytelling, and reflection while keeping the activity short and fun.

What materials do I need to make a Fab Friendship Journal?

You’ll need a small notebook or loose sheets stapled into a booklet, colored paper, markers, crayons, and pencils. Add stickers, washi tape, glue stick, scissors, envelopes or small pockets for notes, and printed or written prompt cards. Optional extras: stamps, photos, recycled magazine images, and a laminator for durable covers. Keep materials safe and age-appropriate, and use a container to organize supplies for easy crafting sessions.

What ages is the Fab Friendship Journal suitable for?

This activity suits ages about 4–12 with simple adaptations. Preschoolers (4–6) can draw, sticker and dictate responses while an adult writes. Early elementary kids (6–8) can use sentence starters and short phrases. Older children (9–12) can write full entries, design prompts, and manage note-swapping independently. Adjust complexity, supervision, and writing expectations to match each child’s skill and interest level for a positive, inclusive experience.

What are the benefits of creating a Fab Friendship Journal?

Making a friendship journal builds empathy, communication, and storytelling skills. It supports literacy through writing and reading, strengthens fine motor skills during decorating, and encourages emotional expression in a safe format. Swapping kind notes fosters social bonds, perspective-taking, and confidence. Teachers and parents can use it to prompt conversations about feelings, problem solving, and gratitude, making it a practical tool for social-emotional learning at home or in the classr
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Create a Fab Friendship Journal. Activities for Kids.