Postcard Exchange! *States Updated**

With the help of Cheryl from Primary Graffiti {LOVE HER} I am hosting a Postcard Exchange!  I'm always slow to jump on the train and never get the chance to participate! So with the help of a blogging buddy {more like blogging idol...Mrs Cheryl} and the encouragement from another super teaching buddy {thanks Jana}, I am going to attempt this! Bare with me! :p

Please read carefully to ensure you want to participate in the exchange.  If you have any reservations about it at all, please pass on signing up to participate.  

I will accept one entry per state.  To make it easy, I have a sign up form in Google Docs. Unfortunately, I won't be able to give you minute by minute updates.  I will post the last name and state from the entry forms.  This exchange is first come, first serve.

Here are some materials/supplies you will need for the exchange: 49 postcards {you're state #50}, 49 stamps, and labels!  You will receive 49 postcards in exchange.  The best way to ensure that you will be "on top" of this exchange is to purchase/create your postcards once you have confirmed your name/state was selected for this exchange.  This exchange DOES cost money.  Expect to pay roughly $30 for postcards, postage, and labels.

I will prepare the labels with each participants' name and address.  You just need to print them out and allow the kids to stick them on the cards! Easy peesy!!

The whole purpose of this exchange is to get the kiddos involved.  That's what our jobs are all about anyways! :)  Have them help you come up with a message together as a class.  I great idea is to list a few state, city, and class facts on your cards that you're sending out!

All cards must be mailed out by November 2nd.   I know the beginning of the year can be hectic and our districts/states do not begin school at the same time, however, I choose a date that allows for most {if not all}  participants to get the cards out after the end of the first quarter.  You will have no further commitments and will receive a card from each state in exchange!!! What a great way to learn! :)

There are so many different lessons that can be taught with this simple postcard exchange!  Mapping skills, geographical skills {use GoogleEarth!}, some history, letter writing, community helpers, etc...

I plan to write the postcard initially as a class, then I will have my kinders fill in certain parts of the postcard on each.  For example, they might write the word "Dear," "From," "We," etc... like a 'fill-in-the-blank" type form. Does that make sense? I'm a visual learner so I know I would have to see it. 

What's so wonderful is so many blogging buddies have already created amazing resources that you can use with this activity.  Cheryl created a FREE state notebook that has pages for every state!! She uses it when introducing states.  I can NOT wait to use it this year with my kinders!  Erica Boher has an AMAZING letter writing unit that helps teach little ones how to write letters, etc... I used this last year and absolutely LOVED it! 

Click on the pics to head to their TPT stores to snag this babies!

Now for the bad news....FL, TX, Kentucky, NC, Ohio, New Jersey, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, GA, Oklahoma, Maryland, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Oregon, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Mississippi, New York, Iowa, Delaware, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, Arkansas, Washington, Vermont, and Cali have already been snagged up.  

Good news...we need the final 17 states:
Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota,  Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah,  West Virginia, Wyoming

FYI: All entries will be date stamped into a spreadsheet.  I will take the first name submitted until spots are filled.  Once all spots are filled, I will send an email confirmation to all participants.  YOu will need to reply, confirming your participation in the exchange.  If a response in not received, I will take the next name on the list.  Link HERE for the exchange participants!

Check back later to see if you 'made the cut!' :p