Thank You, Volunteers

When the children finished their fiction stories, they learned about writing a personal essay. This was tied into holiday giving and the children crafted essays to give as gifts. I modeled the process by writing an essay about how our classroom volunteers are highly appreciated. Volunteering ranges from weekly help to volunteering your time by commenting on a blog- every ounce of support is important! I did not want to share this essay until after the holiday, as I did not want to spoil andy personal essay presents! Another aspect of our study was gaining inspiration for writing from Ralph Fletcher's story in Because Poetry Matters. Ask your child about his beautiful personal anecdote about words as gifts. If anyone would like a copy of the story, I can give you one in the new year.

Thank You, Volunteers

Our classroom volunteers mean so much to me. From working with children in the classroom, to coming to our events and commenting on our blogs, and coming on trips, your help makes our classroom great.

Thank you for coming in and working with the kids. I know the children appreciate it when you talk to them about their reading and writing. Your help with the garden makes our science lessons exciting and it’s easier to observe our plants. When you come in and play board games with the children, it makes our classroom fun.

Thank you for attending our events and commenting on our blogs.  If you have seen the children when they are reading their new blog comments, you know how important they are to them! When you come to our publishing parties, you encourage the children to be amazing writers. By attending our Open Houses you show me that you care about all we do in the classroom.

Thank you for taking the time to come with us on trips.  There is no way I could keep track of everyone without you.  Your conversations with the students on these trips enriches their understanding of the experience.  This makes their trip more meaningful and purposeful.  I know that with your presence, the students will be safe on their travels, and this provides me with a lot of peace of mind.

It’s the perfect time of year to show my gratitude for your support! Your help make our classroom great!

Happy New Year!

Yours truly, Renee