You've Got Mail

Don't you love to get a letter from a friend?  We introduced the children to our mail boxes recently and many children have been excitedly making mail ever since.

 They love to surprise a friend with a note and make them smile.  They rush over to tell them to look in the mailbox then follow them over and watch eagerly for their reaction.  Quite often the recipient will then go into the mini studio to reciprocate.   Happiness is contagious!

They write to say that they want to spend time together, at school or on a play date, or just to say "I love you".

 

    

 

The mail boxes are a provocation for literacy as the children write, or dictate their words to a teacher.  They watch with great interest as their words are written on the paper.  The power of text in this application is a strong motivator.
 

The children also support each other. 

Here K helps S write a note to ask for a play date.

  

Now when they miss a friend, they have an outlet for their disappointment, and a way to feel connected in their friend's absence.  

Renae thinks about Luke when he stays home from school one day:

"I want to make a note for Lukie.  I remember how to write his name...

L...U...K...E   ...........and that's it!"

Hmm, I don't know how to write: 'I hope you feel better tomorrow'"