Kids Write a Star

[Gabby]

PBS has an interesting page that younger kids can email TV characters. Might give them a motive for writing. At least it's worth trying.
The site is- http://pbskids.org/help/

[becklyn]

How Neat!!! I think this is great for introducing kids to writing. Most of these characters are focused on pre-k thru 1st grade. I think this would be a great idea for getting kids into writing letters.

[JosieA1]

A few years ago I saw a writing program at an elementary school that I really liked. It was called Wee Deliver and was sponsored by the US Postal Service. Wee Deliver sets up a kid run postal service in the school. Students write each other (and teachers) letters and postcards. Once or twice a week the students sort and deliver the mail. Students are very motivated to write a lot and look forward to the deliveries. Supposedly you can get for your school a free mail box, a mail bag and some directions by contacting them. I looked on line and found a bunch of schools participating, but didn't find any information on the post office site. I also stopped by the local post office and they didn't know anything about it. Does anyone have any information?

[Gabby]

I've heard of this program and have always thought it is a great idea. I came across this information and address when I was looking for information about it.
Schools should write to the U.S. Postal Service* to obtain a free
Wee Deliver starter kit.

The Wee Deliver starter kit includes:
 Videotape introduction to the program
 Teacher’s manual
 Sample press release
 Cancellation and Return to Sender rubber hand stamps
 How Your Letter Gets There poster
 Cardboard main distribution case and collection box
 Letter carrier mail bag

*WEE DELIVER LITERACY PROGRAM
CORPORATE OUTREACH
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L’ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 10653
WASHINGTON DC 20260-3100

Anything to get kids to write without complaining!

[JosieA1]

When I was looking around for the Wee Deliver information, I found a site that has kids brainstorming ideas for writing. I think while some kids might get some writing ideas from it, I thought also that some pretty good vocabulary lists could be developed from it. If you're looking for that kind of thing, check out-
Children's Writers Brainstorming Lists

It wouldn't take too much to come up with some lists or thematic units using some of the information.

[JosieA1]

BYW thanks for the Wee Deliver address. I think it's a way neat way to get a whole school writing.

[carlosd]

I really like this site. Sports Kids.com. It's for kids who love sports who want to write a sports article about a game. I bet it would motivate some kids who wouldn't write otherwise by letting them publish online.

[becklyn]

What great resources. I like the Wee Deliver idea. A great way to get a whole school involved....however, what happens if certain, unpopular students do not get letters?

[JosieA1]

I think that schools who do this program just are careful to monitor and encourage students to write to a variety of people, not just their circle of friends. Also, I've heard that teachers, staff, and principals write to students. They probably pick up some of those not getting as many letters. It's almost like recess when some kids don't get picked for games. Teachers need to help students learn to be kind and include others. I know though that whether it is Wee Deliver or writing to stars or a sports column or whatever, students will write more and better if it is for a real and fun purpose.

[addymark]

Hello friends

Fitness is important for kids of all ages. Parents are aware that their children need to exercise and be active in order to stay healthy and fit but they sometimes find it difficult to provide the motivation that kids need to choose an active lifestyle. Struggling with issues of setting goals and following through are common to all people to some degree and when it comes to making the choice to be healthy and fit, many people find it hard to resist unhealthy temptations.

Kids learn everything themselves. not need any buddy if health is well.