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.)