Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Their Authentic Audience

If you're like me, you're crossing your fingers in hopes that your little readers have books in their hands this summer.  That's not all I'm hoping for though.  Since writing goes hand in hand with reading, they really must find opportunities to use that skill too.  On the last day of school I sent home a little something to encourage them to pick up a pencil over the summer.  Read on to see.

Each little writer got a packet like this.


Here's a copy of the letter.  (My address is at the bottom, but I blurred it out for this post.  You never know who might read this!)


I also attached an envelope with my address.  (Yep, blurred it out too.)


Then I included three pieces of stationary which thankfully can be cheaply found at the Dollar Store.


The good news? I've heard from five of my writers so far.  I don't have pictures of all those letters, but here are two notes that one little guy has written.  



Writers are more motivated when they have a purpose and an authentic audience.  I love being their authentic audience!

(By the way, I received two letters this summer from past students who are in middle school.  You never know who might keep your address handy.)


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20 comments:

  1. How great to have such a purposeful project! I'm a huge fan of pen pals!! And you've got to know that they're beaming with pride to be able to write to their T.E.A.C.H.E.R. . . . you're golden to them.

    Your ideas continue to inspire me.

    Barbara
    The Corner On Character

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    1. Barbara, sure do beam when I get mail from them. Thank you for your supportive comments. They brighten my day.

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  2. Having an authentic audience is so important for writing. Love that you are doing this! The stationery is super cute- I am sure the kids like that!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, too often school writing is missing the authentic audience piece. We can all probably do a better job with that.

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  3. Tammy-this is such a sweet thing to do. It is something they will always remember. I like this idea!
    Jennifer
    kindertrips

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    1. Jennifer, thank you. I remember writing to my first grade teacher, so I do hope these kids will remember writing to me.

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  4. What a great idea! I bet the students love it and I bet you enjoy getting their letters.

    April
    Wolfelicious

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    1. Thanks April. I do enjoy getting their letters. Some summers I don't get that many, and it always bums me out!

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  5. Hi Tammy, I like the idea of giving the kids stationary. I always give the kids my address at the end of the year and promise that I will write back if they write to me. I LOVE getting the kids' letters.

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    1. Lyn, I love that you do this too. It's fun to hear from them!

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  6. I want to do this!!! I am going to pin this so I remember to do it at the end of the next school year.
    Connie:)
    www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com

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    1. Connie, thanks for pinning. I hope you enjoy doing this next year!

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  7. Great idea and so sweet! You will look for mail all summer!
    Sandi
    Literacy Minute

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    1. Sandi, going to the mailbox is sometimes the most exciting part of my summer day. :)

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  8. What a special idea! Your students are so lucky to have you.

    How's your summer going? What's the summer like there? Do you do many outdoor activities?

    Kelli
    Tales From a Traveling Teacher

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    1. Hi Kelli! Summer is going pretty well. It can get up to 100 but most of the time it's in the 80's and 90's. It's warm enough I suppose. It depends on what part of Idaho you're in but Idaho is pretty outdoorsy. Hiking, biking, river rafting, fishing, etc. It's a pretty nice place to live, although it's not down the street from Wimbledon!

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  9. I LOVE this idea, Tammy. I'm going to try hard to do it this year.

    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

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    1. Barb, sounds great! I'm glad to hear it's something you're interested in doing.

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  10. Great idea, I did this with my 4th graders, hopefully i will get some letter in the mail soon! =)

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    1. Rodrigo, I've really enjoyed receiving mine. I hope you get lots too.

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