This will be the second year I'll be working on an album for the teacher. (DS9 is now in the 3rd grade)
Near the end of the year we will send a page with a page protector home with each child. They can add a photograph. write a letter to the teacher and add any decorations, drawings or anything else on one or both sides.
It will depend on the age of the child how much they can do on their own. Last year in 2nd grade the kids did it all at home. We heard from several of the parents and they had a lot of fun. Many families had not done any scrapbooking at all.
I have been going in the class room during different events and taking random photos. I will make a page or two for each event. There are 22 children in the class this year so there will probably be 30 - 40 (max) pages in the album.
I donate the supplies and pictures but I know they would reimburse me if I asked. I recently took photos of the kids for their Valentine's Day project and I will take pictures on the day of their party. Instead of bringing in food or drinks I donate my time and supplies.
I take pictures of the school from the outside, pictures of the teacher's doorway with her name on it, pictures of the lockers, hallways, pictures of the classroom when the papers on the walls change, etc. I try to capture that year.
I use the 40% coupon at A.C.Moore to buy the album and the page protectors. I also buy supplies when they are on sale. I figure it will cost me around $30 - $40 (max) to complete the album. (that cost could be different)
I really enjoyed working on the album last year and I've been enjoying it so far this year. It gives me a chance to get in my son's classroom - which gets harder as the kids get older. I also have a good relationship with his teacher, the room Mom's, and some of the other parents. (If I don't have it with me, they always ask me where my camera is!
)
Last year we decided to do the album at almost the last minute. I learned this year to start early on - less stress!
My DD5 starts Kindergarten in the fall and I hope to work with her class. It's something I really want to do every year as long as they will let me.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
Jill