A window into READy for the Grade • Hamden •

Listening to Delivering Mail, the children learned about the sequence of steps required to send a letter. In their group reading of Frog and Toad, they read a chapter in which a character mails a letter. Now, each child is busy writing a letter to another student (assigned by the teacher). They follow a strict format that includes a greeting (Dear Mike), and a sentence or two with kind adjectives (e.g. You painted a pretty picture today.). When they finish writing, each child addresses their letter, affixes a “stamp” and places the letter in the classroom mailbox.

With all the letters “mailed,” the lesson continues with discussions about older communication strategies (phones, faxes, newspapers, letters), newer strategies, (social media, texting, and direct messages), and assistive strategies, like Braille and Sign Language. Children listen to the teacher read, watch a short video, then read aloud. They even learn some basic ASL signs.

After an outdoor break, the children return and discover the mail is ready for pickup. One child serves as mail carrier. He delivers the letters, and each student takes turns reading the letter they received out loud. Each reader thanks the person who sent their letter. Everyone is excited to put their letter into their backpack to share with their family. But first, they return to the table for lunch. Tomorrow, they may get to read with their peers on the small stage where the teachers hold “Readers’ Theater.”