Sunday, June 19, 2011

Keeping Up with Students During the Summer

Summer Fun Activity Packet Cover
My first graders came a long way in their writing skills this year. The best part is that they really LOVED writing! We progressed from reversing many letters to writing some awesome complete and correct sentences. I could always count on my kids to write about anything, so I wanted to encourage them to keep writing over the summer.

 During the last week of school, I always send home an envelope filled with donated books, Weekly Readers, journal prompts, math games, and practice sheets. I decided to be brave and give each child a self-addressed stamped envelope so that they could write to me and tell me all about their summer adventures.  We just finished learning about the elements of a friendly letter, so the activity fit perfectly with our Georgia Performance Standards. I attached the envelope to the letter template we used in class. As I introduced the activity to the class, they were excited to learn that all they had to do was put the letter in their own mailbox and the post office would bring it to me!

School has been out for a couple of weeks and I have received several letters. I love reading about trips to the pool, airplane rides, and days at summer camp. One child even sent me a Silly Band in the shape of a mermaid with a reminder to be a "very good and nice teacher" for my class next year. Great advice, and I hope this blog will help me become even better at the art of teaching.