All teachers know the importance of building relationships with their students. It gives you a foundation for the school year. It helps you differentiate lessons based on what your students need.
The only catch is that building relationships takes time.
Every school year, you probably reflect on all the fun memories you made with students. More often than not, the best memories are not about the time your class scored well on a quiz or remembered to turn in their homework. Instead, you will likely remember the sweet comments or funny responses from students throughout the year.
Making an Effort
The relationships that foster these moments are not made overnight. It takes real effort and dedication from the teacher to build relationships with their students.
These can be built from the first day of school. Learning students’ names, greeting them in the morning, and meeting their families are just a few ways that teachers start to create rapport with their students.
But what if you could get a jump start on this process…let’s say over the summer. Students would come in on the first day with a positive perception of their teacher. They will have something to talk to you about, and something they can share with their peers.
You can make it happen with the gift of a summer postcard.
Why it Works
There are few things more exciting than receiving mail as a child. Especially today, when the world primarily communicates digitally.
Sending a personal note makes students feel important, fostering a sense of belonging. This will create a welcoming classroom community from that start.
You can write a message not only welcoming the student to the class, but also sharing a bit about yourself. Keeping things fun and friendly may help the student find something in common with you.
How to Get Started
I have three postcard templates that make this process easy. Choose a template that reflects your style and that you will be excited to send to your students!
These postcards are entirely editable on Canva (don’t worry, it’s free and user friendly). You may choose to type or handwrite postcards, or add digital images and QR codes to communicate important dates or websites. Click on the images below to preview them in more detail.
1. The Grade Level Card
The Grade Level Card is a favorite for students of all grades, but especially those entering a new building. For instance, a student going to kindergarten is likely feeling proud of simply being called a “kindergartener.” Seeing their grade level on a postcard is going to make them feel extra special.
Although they may not want to show it, the same is true for older students. Kids entering middle school likely feel grown up and take pride in being a “6th grader.”
You can choose the grade level that matches your class, or select a “Welcome to the Class” postcard cover. These templates are entirely editable if you would like to customize them to a different grade or setting.
2. The BINGO Card
The BINGO Card is fun-filled for students and families. The cover of the card is a BINGO game with different summer activities. The goal is for students to complete 5 in a row over the summer.
The activities listed on this card are all free. Some examples include going for a walk, playing I Spy, and telling a joke to someone. Remember, this is an editable template, so you can change the activities as you wish.
This postcard will get students away from screens and involved in the world around them. It also serves as a great conversation starter for the first week of school.
Choose from a color or black and white cover. Students may enjoy coloring a black and white page, or you may like to print them on a brightly colored card stock.
3. The Bright Rainbow Card
The Bright Rainbow Card is my personal favorite, simply because I adore the upbeat colors. There are 3 ready-to-go designs in this pack.
I love how the color scheme reflects the joy of summertime. You can explore more rainbow classroom decor here.
Have Fun!
Whichever design you choose, I hope it provides a positive experience for you and your students. Leave a comment letting me know how it goes!
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