December 2014

'Tis the season of good cheer!  

This month I would like to discuss with you the power of positive notes sent home to your students and their families. Wouldn't it make your day if when you went to collect your mail if you found a postcard with a positive message about you or your child?  I mean really...."WHOOO" doesn't like to hear good things?

In my experience, at any level, students love receiving positive mail from their teacher and just the simple act of sending positive postcards to students and parents can have a tremendous impact on the work you do.  It is a very effective way to build positive communication between your classroom, the student, and home.

Here are a few tips about positive postcards:

1. Keep it simple.  The note is just a note, no need for an epic poem.
2. Pace yourself.  It is often suggested that a positive postcard be sent to each student you work with during the school year.  If that is your plan, send a few out regularly over the course of the school year.  This will help you avoid a scramble at the end of the school year to send all of your cards.
3. Kids can create postcards.  Cut card stock into postcards.  Let the students decorate cards you will use throughout the year.  Ask them to address one of their creations. This adds a special touch to your communication.
4. Be sure to double check the address is correct. 
5. You can consult with one of our translators to provide your message in English and Spanish.  For example: 

Johnny is a wonderful student. He listens, follows directions and is respectful to others.

Johnny es un maravilloso estudiante. Presta atención, sigue las indicaciones y es respetuoso con los demás. 

Wondering what you might write on a student's postcard....Here are some ideas:

• You have made so many gains this year! Your attitude is better, you have less late work, and you are happy so often. I enjoy working with you! Keep working hard! :)
• Thank you for working so hard! I called your dad to compliment you. ;) I would love to see your hard-working attitude continue! Keep it up!!
• You should be so proud of yourself! You are a hard worker and you always do your best! I enjoy working with you and watching you learn.
• You should be very proud of yourself! You are working hard, doing your best, and always getting things handed in on time. Keep it up! I'm glad you got so much done on Friday. Nice work!
• You should be very proud of yourself. You are working hard and getting everything turned in on time. 
• Thank you for always being such a great kid to work with! You make coming to school each day FUN! Keep working hard and READ, and you will fly through the rest of the school year.
• You should be proud of your behavior on Friday. You acted appropriately and got a lot of work done. Way to go!! Keep up the great work.
• I know school can be hard for you at times, but you do a good job of keeping a positive attitude. It's so exciting that you are keeping up on your ABC book for Social Studies. You should be very proud of yourself! Keep working hard!!

 Ideas taken from:   http://www.hojosteachingadventures.com/2012/03/positive-postcards.html

I will leave you with a quote:    “When parents feel that they are receiving frequent and positive messages from teachers, they tend to get more involved in their children’s education than their peers who do not perceive that they are receiving such communication.”

Taken from:  The Designbook for Building Partnerships


Merry Christmas!