Spread Some Joy with a Sunshine Note!
A sunshine note is a happy little message from you to your students and their families. You can send it home on paper, with a quick message over the phone, online by email or even via your virtual classroom. This post will focus on the start of the school year, but you can send a sunshine note at any time of the year!
Why Is This Important?
The start of the school year means the start of creating community, building trust, and engaging students and families. One way to show them that you are over the moon to work with them this year is by sending a sunshine note early on!
How Do I Use Sunshine Notes in my Classroom?
Each year, I purposely send out a generic Sunshine Note at the end of the first week of school. Why generic? Simply because it helps me make sure that every child receives one at the start of the school year.
Once I start learning more about my students, I intentionally plan certain times in the year when I will send out sunshine notes for the whole class at the same time. I also plan and send out short, yet personalized sunshine notes when I wish to share observations, positive behaviours, growth in learning, etc.
Sometimes I send a few at the end of the week for a period of one month, until all students receive a quick, personalized sunshine note.
Sometimes I write the messages by hand, other times I send them in a short email. Last year, I started creating digital sunshine notes that were generic, uploaded them to an email for a parent, then typed a quick, personalized message.
Whether it is done on paper, online, or by phone, students and parents appreciate the gesture. It feels great to be a source of joy in this small way, too. Celebrating my students’ growth in learning and choices is a joy!
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Why is a Simple Sunshine Note or Message Powerful?
- It shows students and parents that you care!
- It puts a smile on the faces of your students. BONUS: Add a sticker to see an even bigger grin!
- It helps a parent learn about positive behaviour their child is showing in class.
- It can help a parent learn about strengths or improvements you have observed.
Questions about Sunshine Notes
- Have you ever sent Sunshine Notes before to your students and families? If so, what was the response?
- How often do you send them? Do you send them on a regular basis or a few times during the year?
- Do you prefer to send them in writing, online, or with a phone call?
Stay Connected!
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