Lesson Plan

• Many first graders come to school expecting to learn to read and write right away. Friendly notes are a fine way to get started on these processes! Write a short note to each student, placing it either in their mailboxes or on their desks. Writing and receiving messages is great fun for young learners. Ask them if (and when) they write notes to family members. Also ask if they receive notes (under their pillows, for example).
• Read and discuss the text and models. Have students practice using "Writing Friendly Notes" on pages 64-65 of the Write One SkillsBook. Then give students "A Happy Note" to complete and take home to a family member. (Plan to discuss reactions the next day.)

Classroom Applications

Note Swaps

• Ask the children to write their names on slips of paper and put them into a hat. Then have them draw the name of a classmate to whom they will write a note. Give reluctant writers ideas for their notes—asking questions, saying nice things, and so on. After the children write and deliver their notes, ask them to write another note in response to the one they received.

Daily Notes

• Allow some time each day for note writing. It can be done at the start of the day, before lunch, or after recess. Be sure that each child has a clearly labeled mailbox. (You’ll need one, too!) Keep an eye out for students who may not be receiving notes, and take time to write to a new child each day. Allow students to use "A Happy Note" at anytime.

Special Notes

• Let children create batches of special notepaper for seasons of the year, birthdays, thank-yous, congratulations, condolences, and so on. They can do this with rubber stamps, stickers, stencils, or with a word-processing program. Making sure there is a ready supply of fun notepaper will encourage children to write notes.