“My Family” Poster

My toddler loves her family. Our family is spread out in two different states, so we have been trying to FaceTime and Skype more often. I decided to make her a poster with pictures so she could start practicing to recognize and say the names of her family members. This was a really fun and easy craft for me.

Supplies:

1 poster board

1 picture of your child, plus each family member (You can do individual or group pictures)

Scissors

Photo safe glue

Colorful Sharpie pens

Blue tape (to hang the poster on the wall)

Contact Paper (optional)

I started my poster by laying out the pictures. This allowed me to get a visual idea of where everyone would fit on the poster. Second, I cut out the pictures in fun shapes. I chose to use regular scissors, but crafting scissors such as FISKARS paper edgers would add a nice touch. Third, I glued the pictures using a Pioneer brand acid free photo glue stick. I used Sharpie pens to write on the poster because they would not smear or bleed if Ellie touched them. I decided to embellish the pictures with some designs, and I also wrote each family member’s name by their picture.

I used blue tape to hang the poster on the wall. I didn’t want to use push pins because I worried that the poster would rip if Ellie pulled on it, or that a push-pin could be a hazard if it fell out of the wall. I’m glad I chose to use blue tape because the moment Ellie saw the poster she ripped it off the wall and started carrying it around the house. This accounts for the wrinkled appearance in the picture, and it is one of the reasons I added contact paper as an optional supply. If the poster is going to get a little wear and tear, or your curious toddler likes to rip things, I recommend covering the photos with contact paper.

The great thing about the simplicity of this craft is there are many opportunities to be creative: add glitter, sparkles, stickers, or anything you desire to spice it up!

After just a few days of practicing, Ellie can point to each family member that I name. She is also practicing to say the names. I have been able to take some adorable videos as she practices.

I hope that you enjoy this craft as much as we did!

How do you practice learning the names and faces of your family members with your children?