Monday, January 20, 2014

A Big Deal

My kids love to write notes to each other and to friends and family during Work on Writing (Daily 5).  Seeing them voluntarily use the power of writing for their own purposes is pretty cool.  I enjoy writing notes to them as well, and I've come to find out it's a big deal to them.  (Parents have told me about their child's collection or display of notes from me.)  Honestly though, if I don't purposely plan for these notes, they don't happen.  Here's what I do to make sure I get them done.  

I choose a notepad and pre-write each child's name on the pages like you see below.  That way I won't forget anyone.




Then I write two or three a day and secretly slip them into their chat books.  (Look here to see what those are.)  In about two weeks time, every child has received one from me.  At that point, I grab a new collection of notes and start all over.  It's pretty simple, but without a purposeful plan, it can get lost in the shuffle.  Since notes from the teacher are a big deal, it's a habit worth keeping.



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18 comments:

  1. Love these personal notes! Thanks for sharing this idea and stop by anytime!

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  2. What a great idea! I like how you've included everyone:)
    Connie Anderson
    www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com

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    1. Connie, I'll forget if I don't write all their names down first. :)

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  3. I love this idea! i was writing in journals, but this would be easier. If I couldn't stay after school i was having to lug them all home to write in. I know my kids are always excited to read what I wrote to them. Thanks for sharing!
    Kelly
    I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher

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    1. Kelly, they are definitely excited to find notes addressed to them.

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  4. A beautiful habit!
    I'm curious about your chat books. I read that post, but do they work in their chat books every day plus writers workshop? My kids are so pokey I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be able to manage both.
    Thanks, Tammy.

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    1. Barb, my goal is to do chat books every day but it doesn't always happen. But yes, they are in addition to writers workshop. I understand the pokey problem!

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  5. I love how you plan out the notes with purpose to be sure everyone gets one! I would have to do that too or it wouldn't happen. I know your students love getting those notes from you!!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, yep I must plan. Otherwise, I turn into a slacker. :)

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  6. Love the personal touch! Looks like your process makes it manageable.

    Tara
    The Math Maniac

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  7. I do the same thing. They are so joyful about these notes and I know their parents love them as well.

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