Several activities for this center will involve the families’ sending in things from home. You may want to send home one letter at the beginning of the week and/or short notes throughout the week. A sample letter is included at the end of the module, and a sample short note is included within this section. It is crucial to include children whose families do not choose to participate. Suggestions are made for how these children can be made to feel as important as their peers whose families did contribute.

Activity

Record the story on audiotape. Have one child’s parent or, if possible, different children’s parents record different parts of the story prior to class. If more than one parent reads the story, see whether the children can identify the voice of their own parent. Let the children play the tape and listen to the story as they turn the pages of the book.

Create “Things I’d Like to Do” books. Using old early childhood education and toy catalogs, let the children find and cut out pictures of toys, books, and activities they would like to do. Children love looking at toy catalogs and dreaming about what they would love to have. Some children may want to cut out pictures of their favorite toys, whereas others may look for things they would like to have. Even children who have few toys at home (or no home) can have a great time putting together a book of wishes. (This is also a great opportunity to learn a lot about what type of toys and materials the children prefer.)

With the children’s assistance, write a note requesting that the parents send in one of their child’s favorite toys or “things” (see the Art Area) and pictures or drawings of people who love them. (This can be made ahead of time, if needed, but the children should observe and help write a letter at the Literacy Center.) The children will be aware of the content and be more likely to share it with their families. They will also become more aware of how the written word can convey a message that has a consequence.

A sample letter might be similar to the following:


Dear family,

At school we are making a collection of our favorite things and a collage of pictures of all of the people who love us. Please send in one of my favorite toys or “things” and a picture or two of people who are important to me so that I may share them with my friends. If you don’t have a photo, you could draw a picture of someone who loves me.

Thanks. You can come look at our room when it is finished and see if you can find my toy and picture!

Love, [child’s name]

P.S. Please put my name on my things so I will be sure to get them back.