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 inElla, ensuring they won’t be lost during moves or over time. The digital format makes it easier than ever to preserve moments that matter.
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?
