Roasting Marshmallows, Watering Flowers, and Precious Handprints...A Lesson in Writing

I am a fanatic of special days.  We should really celebrate ALL days because each day is truly a gift, but I especially look forward to those special days on the calendar that are highlighted to remember the special people in our lives that have made such a difference.  Hallmark and the United States Post Office must LOVE people like me!  This week on the calendar, "Grandparents' Day" is highlighted.  Grandparents' Day is surely a Hallmark marketing creation, but how fun to brainstorm some potential ideas to commemorate some FANTASTIC people.  Since the project will be done with our creativity (and some help from Pintrest of course), Hallmark will get none of the proceeds.  Our hope is that some  FABULOUS grandparents and great-grandparents will hopefully get a little sunshine in their mailboxes though.

I decided to do a guided-writing project with the girls.  I worked with Brynn and Clare one-on-one and asked them questions about each of their grandparents.  Then, to alleviate the pressure of them having to do the writing, I wrote their responses out.  With Brynn, I took this a step further.  She is becoming quite the strong reader, so I had her record herself reading her questions and responses on iTalk (an application that is AWESOME to utilize to help kiddos monitor their reading fluency).  Then, I was able to send the recordings of her precious voice via e-mail to her grandmas and grandpas!  Brynn had a ball, she got to practice her reading skills, AND the grandparents were ecstatic to open up such a special e-mail.  (And, as her mom, I like that I have her voice recorded as a keepsake now, too!)

Here is what the girls' responses to the questions were:

Then, when the girls were all done with the writing portion of the assignment, even Elle got to join in for the next step...FINGER PAINTING!  Clare was quick to point out that handprints are NOT the same as leaves on a tree, but I told that her she had to work with me and use her imagination.  Here is the art project that we did for Grandparents' Day for each of the grandparents and great-grandparents.

When we were all done, the girls got to help decorate envelopes and get all of the envelopes addressed and ready to go.  Way cuter than anything that we could have ever purchased at Hallmark, right?  OK...so maybe, like Clare said, handprints aren't really leaves, but there is nothing quite as sweet as those tiny little prints captured on paper forever.  Happy Grandparents' Day to some AMAZINGLY inspirational people in our lives.  We are truly blessed beyond measure to be a part of their family tree!