At this time of distance learning across the country, I have been looking for ways to connect with my students, and one of my favorites is through writing and mailing them notes each week. They really look forward to getting a weekly note, and I have discovered that you can send unusual things through the mail!
This week I sent them cards with a small growing creature tucked inside. You can grab the growing creatures cheaply on Amazon or on the Oriental Trading Company site. I also got a set of 200 cards and envelopes in bright colors on Amazon. They just have to place the creature into a cup of cold water for 5 days. I encouraged them to change the water each day. At the end of 5 days, they can send me the results through a text message picture or even a flipgrid video! Filpgrid is amazing! Check it out if you have not already!
I found a read aloud of the picture book, It Came in the Mail, by B. Clanton. It is an adorable book.
The character in the book gets unusual things in the mail. I am sending my own students something unusual next week! I found some foam door signs from the Dollar Tree in one of my teacher tubs of rewards in my basement. I’m going to mail one to each student!
I have a writing pack to go along with this book in my TPT store, too! Click here to buy it!
What are you doing to connect with your own students during this time of distance learning? Share ideas in the comments! The first five commenters will get this pack for FREE!
Smart Chick Teacher's Blog 
I’m conducting Google Meet sessions and playing games during our time together online. I’m also making phone calls to my kiddos. I’d love to mail them something fun!
Great ideas! Sending you the file!
I love this! What a great way to stay connected with my students and develop skills for our persuasive essay! Plus, who doesn’t like to get something in the mail??!!
April 21, 2020 at 9 am.
I am doing a fun unit on gardening. I sent them a seed paper flowers I found on Amazon in the mail for the unit to plant. (Students keep a journal write down observations as there plant grows.) Also, Zoom meetings… read alouds and math support.
You have such great ideas. This is very helpful during this crazy time. I text, send emails, call and send private messages on google classroom once a week to check in with every student. Thank you!
Love the idea of private messages each week! Sent you the file!
Love this idea! I sent my kiddos postcards this past year and was looking for different items to send in the mail. Thank you for sharing this cute read aloud idea!
On a weekly basis, my students have the opportunity to share through our Google Meets (each students gets the floor to share how they are doing with the class). I have also set up a weekly check-in form with “how are you feeling?” on a scale of 1-5 and a chance to elaborate on their choice below. As a third option… students have the chance to share updates at the end of the week via FlipGrid as well! I review all of these different responses and as I am providing weekly feedback through Google Classroom, I make sure to reference any of their responses as need (or sometimes connect with parents) and engage with them on a personal level!