Let me begin by saying, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! It's ironic that I'm writing this letter of thanks for your generous donation at the same time I'm reading 29 Gifts by Cami Walker. In the book she talks about the act of giving and how it benefits the giver too. "By giving, you are focusing on what you have to offer others, inviting more abundance into your life" (Mbali Creazzo, her spiritual guide). I hope this will be true for you as well.
When your gifts arrived, I brought the unopened boxes into my classroom. Later, as the kindergarten children marched in, their eyes caught the brown, cardboard boxes sitting in the corner. The excitement was palpable. They had to know what was hidden inside. One by one we opened the gifts together. Their eyes lit up. It was like early morning on Christmas Day. I hadn't quite expected them to be that thrilled. Immediately each student grabbed a book from the box and began "reading" it. They read the words they knew and made up the rest. Their fingers traced the illustrations. Some picked a book they had read before, a favorite. It was as if they had found an old friend. Each one wanted to share his book, with me, or with a classmate. The moment was a snapshot of community, a community of readers.
A few weeks later and they're still crazy about the new books. I knew the books would be an asset, but I hadn't expected what I witnessed and am still witnessing, that love for and curiosity about books. I make sure to set time aside during every class, so that the students can freely peruse our new collection, our gifts. One of the older students is so inspired that she started to write her own children's book. Maybe one day it will be a fond gift, too.
The pocket chart and stand have been invaluable also. First, I had A. B., an older student, assemble it. Of course, like most boys I know, he didn't bother reading the instructions first and just dove into it. Needless to say, he ran into a snag when the hooks wouldn't fit onto the top rung like they were supposed to. Dilemma! I thought having him figure it out on his own would be a useful life lesson, so I didn't help. Eventually, after looking at the instructions and using a little common sense, he was able to put it together correctly. It only took him twice as long. We've all been there, right?
My younger children love the pocket chart. At first I modeled how to use it. Basically, I write words on index cards and then line them up on the chart to make sentences. Now they are eager to create their own sentences. They know many sight, or simple, words, so that's not a problem. When it comes to writing the names of animals or other things, I have them look it up in a picture dictionary. It works well since they know the letter sounds at this point in the year. All they need to know is the first letter and then they can search for the picture.
In ending, I just want you to know that your gifts do have an impact. They do make a difference.
May you find abundance in your life,”
With gratitude,
Mr. H