At the beginning of the school year, the EW children welcomed the WW children by creating mail for each of them. Some notes included them remembering what supported them when they were a WWinger.
Dear Will (WW),
When I was new to the West Wing, I cried because I missed my mom. Notes supported me in feeling better. If you get sad, you can try writing a note in your journal!
From Harrison (EW)
Other notes were invitations to make an appointment together.
Dear Eli (WW),
I love you. I hope we have an appointment outside together. Maybe we can play monsters in the woodchips. It’s a chasing, freeze-game where the monster tries to catch you! Does that sound fun?
Love,
Mabel (EW)
Kou (WW),
Have you played in the house area? I think you would like it. I want to have a play date with you. Where do you live?
-Zoe O. (EW)
Zoe O. (EW),
I feel a little shy and don’t say something, only when we sing songs. I like, “I Love Rock-n-Roll”.
-Kou (WW)
The children have all received their notes and responded to them. Slowly, we are delivering them in person so the children see the connection they are making through this mail delivery system. As we connect to one another through this strategy, the children are feeling competent in initiating their own correspondence. One morning, Phedon (WW) asked his mother, Christina, to make a note with him. Together they created a note for
Kayden (EW).
Hello Kayden,
I would love to have a playdate with you.
I hope we can connect.
-Phedon
Phedon sat on the benches and looked outside waiting for Kayden to arrive. With some teacher support, he delivered his mail to Kayden. Kayden and his mother read Phedon’s note. Both boys were full of smiles and Kayden said, “Well, I will invite you to my house and make a letter for you, Phedon!”
This ‘connection’ was supported by EW/WW teacher collaboration and intention, parent involvement, a universal understanding of our systems and culture and much more. We are apart of an amazing community. – Jen