Creativity expert's reveals the secrets of making time capsules, an activity that allows children to get wrapped up in the fun, too.

• Set a date for the time capsule to be opened. For a child, five years is a good starting point. Have the child write a letter to themselves that begins something like this: "Dear me five years from now ..." Trace the child's hand to show how much growth has occurred. Use a cassette tape to record the child's voice.
  
  

• Be sure to include items that represent the time period such as a newspaper or magazine.
  
  

• Adults can get in to the activity as well. Start out New Year's Eve by implementing this theme at a party or small get-together. Include the restaurant menu, a plane ticket or some reminder of a trip that was taken that year--photos, letters, a dinner or supermarket receipt (to show how much things cost).
  
  

• Stay away from videotapes or other items that could be dated when the capsule is opened. Remember the betamax? Images stored on that tape would be difficult if not impossible to retrieve. Keep to items to which the eyes and hands can respond (letters, photos, etc.) especially if the capsule is to be sealed for 25 years, 50 years or longer.