Deployment Journal for Kids [Spiral-bound]

Rachel Robertson (Author)

Book Description

Deployment Journal for Kids is a special journal created for children to record feelings and events during a loved one's military deployment. A variety of proven journaling techniques provide a framework for children to better understand deployments, express and communicate their feelings, and tell their own story. Contains calendar pages, writing prompts, interesting facts about common deployment locations, military definitions, helpful ideas, and a pocket to keep mementos. A companion web site, www.deploymentkids.com, offers time zone and distance calculators, games, and more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent vehicle to help children express their thoughts and feelings, at their own pace, in a safe, supportive context." --David Fassler, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine

About the Author

An author and educator focused on child development, Rachel Robertson combined her professional training and personal experience supporting her two children through her husband's military deployments to create Deployment Journal for Kids. As the Quality Initiatives Specialist with the nation's largest childcare provider, Knowledge Learning Corporation, Rachel travels nationwide to work in a variety of centers and train staff to achieve high quality childcare. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Child Care Association, and National Association of Child Care Professionals.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 96 pages
• Publisher: Elva Resa Pub (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965748308
• ISBN-13: 978-0965748308
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #576,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I expected something more, but it was okay, May 23, 2007

By 

J. Robertson "christian mom" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Deployment Journal for Kids (Spiral-bound)

As a wife of a soldier who is preparing to be deployed to Iraq, I thought this book would be a perfect way for the kids to express their feelings and write down their thoughts.

I was very disappointed when I saw that the "maps" were just a grayed out block of continents. There were no countries listed on it....something you would expect from a 4th grade continent quiz.

There were no colors in the pages, just the plain black and white text. No photos or other eye catchers for the kids.

The calendar it came with only has enough for 6-7 months and the blocks are really small. There is no way my 8 year old can write small enough to fit anything in there. Most soldiers are deployed for a lot more than 6 months, so I can't even really use that part of the book.

The pages for the kids to write down their feelings are VERY LIMITED. There is one and a half pages for "What I am feeling" and other such titles. How is a child supposed to use this journal for a whole year with that kind of limited space?

This journal is NOT FOR EVERYDAY USE by the children. It can only be used to highlight certain feelings. Like I said, I really expected something more and something the kids could really use on a day to day basis to write out their feelings.

I think it is okay for what it is, but the reviews I read made me think it was some great book that really helped the children and gave them room to express themselves. There was no publisher or Amazon description and you could not look in the book electronically.

I would recommend you get a diary and small map book to go along with this. A scrap book would also be a good idea to compliment the limited book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deployment journal, September 23, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Deployment Journal for Kids (Spiral-bound)

I really enjoyed having this journal. It has helped me learn about where my dad is deplyed. And I get to write and drw my feelings in a place that I can keep forever.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My students love it!, August 15, 2006

By 

Ms Marcy (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deployment Journal for Kids (Spiral-bound)

I am a fourth grade teacher and I ordered this journal for the kids in my class last year. For the military kids, we focused on having them write about their experience during their parent's deployment. For the nonmilitary kids, we focused on learning about common deployment locations and thinking about what it would be like to have a parent deploy. All of the kids LOVED the project. The journal writing extended naturally into other areas, such as using the globe, learning simple phrases in other languages, learning about the cultures of people in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. It has been positive and rewarding for everyone. I think the nonmilitary kids have a better appreciation for the challenges of military life and the military kids felt like others really cared about their situation. And they loved having their own place to write about this time in their lives. Wonderful journal and idea. I highly recommend it to families but also to teachers and counselors, especially in elementary and middle school settings. I have incorporated it into my plans for the coming school year b/c I was so pleased.