Recent Letters

One thing I have learned while doing this project is that kids make cute drawings on their letters...they also tend to make HILARIOUS misspellings and sentences when they write. This is three series of letters in one post because I'm lazy and tend to procrastinate! YAY! 

They were to write: 1. Why they were excited for spring. 2. Their favorite book 3. Their favorite book character. Obviously, I'm going to post the gems. You're welcome. 

This young gentleman drew Spiderman "slinging webs"/shooting an arrow? (I've never seen Spiderman). 

In case you can't read this, her favorite character is Jasmine. Which is pretty cool, cause you know, this girl's name is also Jasmine. A bit of an ego, we've got there, huh Jasmine? 

Oh, you can't wait for spring so you can get "semthig"? Well if that something is a mop for spring cleaning, hay fever, and an middle-aged man in a disheveled bunny costume, then you sure are right, Anastasia! #yayspring?

"My favorite book is Horse. I like it because it teck (???) you about Horse. What is your favorite boob?"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA............Okay! Well, that's a little personal, Lillian.
(Also, everything is a horse.)

Why is she learning about driving? I think maybe I'll stay off the roads for a while. 

I vote Jonn most likely to be writing in Greek without anyone noticing.  

Jacob's style is minimalist. 

Xavier wins the award for most colorful.

Dear Class,

During the school day, I have five classes. My first class is Psychology. In that class, we study what makes people behave a certain way. My second hour is English. Right now we are reading a novel and writing a research paper about the author of the novel. Then I go to Physics. That’s where I learn about motion, like speeding up and slowing down. In Physics, I am learning about graphs, just like you! After lunch, I go to Band, where I play the flute. We are getting ready for a competition right now. My fifth hour is Calligraphy, which is where I learn about fancy writing with pen and ink. I can’t wait to hear from you again!

Sincerely,

Olivia

I have received the latest letter from the class, and they wrote to me about what they are learning in school. Right now, most of them are learning about graphs in math. They asked what I am learning, and that is what will be what my next letter is about. 

I chose this as my genius hour project because I always thought it was cool in elementary school when an older student would come and teach us something. Even though I'm not physically visiting their classroom, I hope that writing these letters will keep them interested in their writing (because we all know that letter form and comma placement are just riveting to a group of 8 year olds) and give them something to look forward to each week. 

The planning for this is rather simple - I email my letter to the teacher on Monday, then on Friday she gives the letters the students wrote to a friend of mine who also works at the school. 

In the three letters I've written so far, I've learned how to explain things to younger kids. Sometimes it's hard to put things in terms a second grader would understand, especially when trying to explain why I'm taking Calligraphy or Physics in school. 

My next letter will be up soon, so be sure to check this blog!

Dear students,

I have some of the same hobbies as you! I like to read, play with my friends, and play card games, just like some of you said in your letters. I also like to bake and decorate cakes. I took a class at JoAnn’s in December so I could learn how to make flowers and decorations for my cakes. I am also taking a class in school called Calligraphy. Calligraphy is a type of fancy writing that uses ink and special pens. I can’t wait to read your next letters!

Sincerely,

Olivia


I included two pictures to show the kids. One is a picture of a cake I made for a New Year's party, and the other is a poem I copied in Calligraphy for a Christmas present.

The kids sent the most adorable letters on Thursday! They each told me their name, hobbies, and asked me what I like to do for fun. They had some great hobbies, many of them relating to the recent "polar vortex". Also, almost half of them listed running as their favorite thing to do - I'm sure the teacher has her hands full with that class!

First Letter

Dear class,

My name is Olivia and I am a senior at JHS. I’ll tell you a little bit about myself. I am seventeen years old. I have one dog named Charlie. My favorite color is dark blue, and I love to eat strawberries.

For the next little while I will be writing to you, and you will be writing back to me. I will answer your letters after I get the ones you write. I’m doing this for a project in one of my classes. I am so excited about writing to you and I hope you’re excited as well!

Sincerely, Olivia