Two weeks ago, I opened up the letter writing part of our writing center. I read stories about writing letters-The Jolly Postman, Dear Annie, and Dear Peter Rabbit to name a few...I brought in the Little Tikes Mailbox so the kids can actually mail the letters they write to classmates and they love it!
Today was one of those rough Mondays...crazy time getting out the door, uncooperative toddler who didn't want changed out of her jammies, forgetting to do the February lunch menu, traffic jam on the drive to work...an all around hectic beginning of the week (at least I didn't spill the coffee, right? )
And then there was work. My kiddos walking through the door chatting away and noticing everyone's hats! (We're having spirit week this week.) We had a rough start to our day too...maybe everyone stayed up a little too late watching the Super Bowl or something? At lunchtime, we blew a fuse in the lounge so I had to wait extra long to cook my lunch. Just a " when things go wrong as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all up hill" kind of day...
At the end of the day, I delivered the mail from the students who wrote letters and the brightest ray of sunshine (trumpets please) came into my day-"D" wrote me a letter during work on writing that said, "Dear Mrs. Rudd,
You (corrected for grammar) are a good teacher. Love, D." It made my day! I wrote back to him and thanked him for making me smile! Just something so small meant so much...I need to write more letters!
So sweet. We never know when unexpected treasures will present themselves. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, you are so right Catherine!
DeleteNo matter how tough the day is, and as Alexander's wise mother says, "Some days are like that, even in Australia," when you are a good teacher, the rewards are always there. Sometimes we have to look extra hard for them.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteI almost forgot about Alexander! He's one of my favorite characters!
I think those few words are a perfect balance to that tough day that seemed to get tougher and tougher as you lived through it. Teaching pays :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie
Yes,
DeleteWe have to find the moments that.bring joy and cherish them!
Those positives always come at just the right time when you need it most. I think many of us, students included, need those reinforcers sprinkled throughout the day too. A bit of a pick-me-up. So glad you got yours - teach on and you'll see the excitement of letter writing build in your classroom because we all love to get a little mail (and love!)!
ReplyDeleteYes, Michelle,
DeleteI am hoping the letter writing continues to inspire these budding writers to write even more!
Amy...those little moments are the best, I totally agree. I'm glad that you can sort through and look at the best of the best. I absolutely love your optimism and I am always able to picture your kind spirit in the classroom. XO
ReplyDeleteThanks Nanc!
DeleteSome days I just feel so beat up this year but things like this keep me going!
Love those notes...especially when they arrive by surprise at just the right moment.
ReplyDeleteYes, the right moment indeed!
DeleteOh so true! The best things in life are not "things"!!!
ReplyDeleteRight Lynne! Moments and memories like these are more valuable than things!
DeleteWhat a delightful reminded during a hectic day. I love those moments.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lee Ann!
DeleteAnne, sorry your day seemed to be going downhill. The note from your student was so thoughtful. Now I want to write notes to friends to encourage them.
ReplyDeleteYes, we talked about doing some note writing as a staff...a lot of staff members going thru tough times health wise right now...
DeleteSounds like quite a crazy day, & glad that it ended so well, Amy. Your letter writing ideas with the students sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThey are doing quite well with letter writing!
DeleteI loved how you captured and expanded those small moments. Moments that I so connected with. The note from your youngster made me smile. I can tell they are glad that "you" are their teacher.
ReplyDeleteHave you read "Dear Peter Rabbit" by Alma Flor Ada? She actually has several books in the series.
Yes, Dear Peter Rabbit was one of the books I read with them!
DeleteI love happy endings. A little note can make you forget a lot of stressful moments.
ReplyDeleteYes Terje, it certainly can!
DeleteWe *do* need more letters in our society. I think more personal mail would really help people get to know one another AND feel appreciated again.
ReplyDeleteHope your week looks up on the home front, Amy!
I know that letter lifted you up higher than a kite! I have some notes written many years ago still in a small file....for the really bad days....and so I never forget that what we say and do makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to keep a sunshine file!
DeleteSo very true! I even have a folder I keep in my desk called "pick me up letters". I print out positive emails and notes I get. Sometimes I need to grab that and remind myself why it's all worth it.
ReplyDeleteYes, I need to start doing that...
DeleteThose little notes are the best! One of my mom's best suggestions when I first started teaching was to keep a "happy" file of all that stuff. I wrote about a note that brightened my day today, too!
ReplyDeleteI will check out your story Jennifer!
DeleteThis is why we teach! So happy you got a reward with words for all the words that you teach your students.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jaana!
Delete