Student Letters
One of the strategies I used with my students in Chicago was dialogue journals (thanks for the idea, Mickey!). Each student had a small journal and we would use it to have written dialogue. The students would write to me and I would write back. It was a useful way to foster meaningful written communication and build a relationship at the same time. Ever since I started using this strategy, I was sold! I knew that I would always want to use this strategy in my classroom of the future.
My new students have made this easy. All of the first year students, in pairs and groups of three, wrote me letters before I arrived. When I first came to school all the letters were sitting on a stack in the middle of my desk. I, immediately, read through each and every one of them. Some were funny, some were serious, some were entertaining, and some made no sense. But I knew one thing for sure, I wanted to write back to each and every one of them.
At first, when I told my supervisor my intention she thought I was crazy (as usual). She told me that I didn’t have to do that, certainly the students wouldn’t expect it. And that was precisely why I wanted to do it, to surprise the students, and show them, right from the start, that I was willing to engage in dialogue with them. That I am willing to invest the time and energy to return their efforts.
So, I have spent the past few weeks at school trying to write at least 15 or 20 letters a day. After all, I started with over 175 letters from the students. Each time I read and respond to one of their letters, I feel that I am starting to build a relationship with them. And hopefully that relationship will continue once the school year begins.
Here are just a few samples of the letters I received. Aren’t they fun?!
OK…the guys are already drawing themselves flexing in thongs and they hadn’t even met you yet. Classic! I am always amazed at the amount of time and deliberation the Japanese put into gifts and letters. Each one is a work of art.
Wow! That’s really cool! And with you writing back, that will just be better for everyone. What’s up with the “Oh, you’re writing them back? Why bother?” attitude? I don’t get it…though maybe it’s burnout or culture or both?
Don’t tell Aaron-san about your boyfriend. =)
The flexed butt in a thong is very fun. We’re enjoying reading about all your crazy adventures!
PS- worse than wedding thankyous, but probably a lot more fun.
This is great and a good way for them to practice reading and writing.
I think they will all like having the letter.
Also, I dig the fact that Yuki ‘blows a trombone.’ She sounds like a hep cat using that old school jazz lingo.
I like Yuki as well. We need more girls in the brass section. You can tell her you know a girl in America who can play the trombone, too.
Speaking of letters, if your ever want your class(es) to get something in the mail from the States, I volunteer to send you stuff.
Danielle,
I think it is a cool idea writing letters to your students, but boy that a lot of letters. Looks like those kids put a lot of effort into it, and very artistic. I an downloading a Porno Graffitti vidio to see if the group is as good as your kids think it is.
Dad