The Power of Children’s Writing: Notes With a Purpose

Some of my favorite things are notes from my Kindergartners. Often they are notes of love, at other times, they are notes requesting I do something for them.

This one was delivered after winter break. She told me her grandmother taught her to crochet over break.

Me: “Wow! That’s amazing. Was it fun?”

Her: “Yeah! Can I show you?”

Me: “Absolutely!”

Her: “Do you have a crochet needle?”

Me: “I do. But not here. I have some at home.”

Her: “Can you bring it in?”

Me; “Sure! Would you write me a note to remind me?”

Her: “A note? (pause) Yeah, I can write one.”

A few minutes later she returned with this note.

How absolutely amazing is this?! Yes, there are some reversals, but look at all the fantabulousness.

  • My name is spelled correctly.
  • Please has the correct vowel team! This means she talked with a friend who knew about vowel teams and they worked together.
  • Crow shay. That has to be my favorite spelling. It’s not conventional, but it tells me all I need to know.

And, perhaps most importantly, she has — with her own beautiful brain, and amazing hand — used writing for her own purpose. She wants a crochet hook, and she knows this will get her one.

I brought in two crochet hooks the next day. She, and others, have been using then happily ever since.