Serving Others & Writing

As parents, we try to teach our kids to step outside themselves.  Learning to read and write should be completely connected to service. One way to incorporate learning and using your children's literacy skills is to make cards as a family (or host a card making party) for Caitlin's Smiles. Caitlin's Smiles creates craft kits for children who are being hospitalized. They put a card in each bag. These bags are delivered all over the US.

Here are some card making tips:

• Visit the website together. You can read the story of why Caitlin's Smiles formed and see some pictures of children who have received the craft bags and cards. 
• Come up with a few positive phrases or even jokes together that would be nice in a card. Write them down, so your children can see how they are spelled.  Stay away from "Get Well Soon." Sadly, some of the children will not get well. Also, stay away from anything religious. The children have various beliefs. Don't sign your name. 
• If your children are too young to write, have them decorate the card, and you write the message. They should still agree upon the message and see you write it. 
• If they are learning to write, they could write the message, and you write how the words are actually spelled underneath their words. 
• Use crayons, stickers, glue, markers, paint, magazines, stamps, etc. etc. Whatever you have at your home will work. 
• Have the children use their interests to guide the card making process. Dinosaurs, fairies, volcanoes, and mermaids make great cards. 
• Make a pop-up card. Following directions is a great skill to practice!
• If you do not live close enough to drop them off (they are located in Harrisburg, PA), put the cards in an envelope and address it together. You can find Caitlin's Smiles address and info here. 

This will be a meaningful activity for you, your children, and the children whose day will be brightened. 

Follow Caitlin's Smiles on Facebook.

Screenshot of Caitlin's Smiles site banner. Visit: http://caitlins-smiles.org