Creative Lifebook Ideas for Kids in Foster Care

A lifebook is a way to help children in foster care stay connected to their past, and to their identities. They are almost like a scrapbook…but better! Every lifebook should have both functional and meaningful parts of a child’s journey. This means including essentials like vaccine records and family trees, but also things that will help create identities. Not sure what that means? Below are some unique and meaningful foster care lifebook ideas to help bring a child’s story to life:

All of these lifebook ideas can be safely stored in Ella, ensuring they won’t be lost during moves or over time. The digital format makes it easier than ever to preserve moments that matter.

Schedule a Free Demo or explore the app today.

1. “All About Me” Page

Let the child describe themselves in their own words or add voice recordings, videos, or drawings. You can include:

• Their nicknames
• Favorites – foods, shows, books, school subjects, teachers, etc!  
• Hobbies and interests
• Their current age, height, or shoe size (it’s fun to track over time!)

2. Voice Memos or Video Clips

With digital storytelling apps like Ella, you can upload audio or video messages from family members, mentors, or even the child themselves. These are great for:

• Capturing grandparents’ laughter
• An inside joke from a sibling
• A bedtime story from a foster parent
• The child’s own message to their future self

3. “Firsts” Tracker

Record the child’s firsts: first haircut, first day at a new school, first time learning to ride a bike. Include:

• Photos or short videos
• Where it happened
• How they felt afterward

4. Placement Map

Use a digital map to mark all the places the child has lived or visited. You can add:

• Names of caregivers or caseworkers
• Notes about what they did, saw, or liked in each home
• Photos from each neighborhood or city

5. Birthday Time Capsule

Create a birthday page each year with:

• A selfie
• A list of birthday wishes or goals for this new year
• Who celebrated with them
• Their favorite gift or moment from the day

6. School Highlights

Track their education journey with:

• Report cards or awards
• Artwork or writing samples
• Photos from field trips, spirit days, or graduations
• Videos from plays, recitals, or sporting events

7. “Letter to My Future Self”

Encourage the child (or help them) write a letter to their future self. Store it in Ella and set a reminder to revisit it years later.

8. My Important People Page

This could include:

• Photos of bio family, foster family, friends, mentors
• Notes about what each person means to them
• Contact info (if appropriate) or a note about how they met

9. My Comforts Page

Help children document what brings them comfort or joy, such as:

• Their favorite stuffed animal or blanket
• A favorite bedtime routine
• Songs or stories that calm them

10. Future Dreams Board

Use Ella to collect images or notes about their dreams and goals, like:

• What they want to be when they grow up
• Places they want to visit
• Skills they’d love to learn

Get Started Today, and Be Creative! 

Preserving memories is more than photographs (though those are important too!) Help a child create a sense of identity by saving their past in a format that can stay with them forever.

Want to see how Ella can help you bring these ideas to life?

Schedule a Free Demo or explore the app today!