I received an email from Kiansh’s mother in early August. He was in my preschool class last year, and he misses me.
I wanted to share what Kiansh told me before going to bed a couple of days ago. I thought you would love to hear it. So, we just finished our book reading that night and exchanged goodnight kisses. I was ready to sleep and Kiansh started talking to me. He said, “Mumma, I miss Jennie.” I said, “I’m sure you do. What is it you miss about her? ” He said, “I love to play with her. I miss that.”
Mom’s email went on to say she wondered how she could make him feel better. Then she remembered my blog post photo reading a book to Gloria and Oscar. (Thank you Pete Springer) Kiansh wanted to see that photo, and it made him feel much better. He wanted to write me a letter.
Wait… write me a letter? I have a better idea. We can be pen-pals for the summer. Yes!
And so it began. I wrote Kiansh a pen-pal letter:
I also included this photo:
Kiansh was thrilled, and surprised that I had a pool. Of course he wrote back and enclosed this photo:
His letter did not say “Hello Jennie”. It said “Hello pen-pal.” My heart was full. He was checking the mail every day for my letter. His mom said she could not express his joy and happiness in words, so that’s why she sent the photo. He just wanted to say, “Tell Jennie, I love you”. Kiansh’s summer fun is vacationing in Hershey Park PA.
I couldn’t wait to write back! I did not say “Dear Kiansh.” I said “Dear pen-pal.”
I included photos of the many fish we have around the pool, and also a photo of Gloria at the pool. I think he will like that! Hubby spent many summers visiting Hershey Park when he was a boy growing up in Pennsylvania. That was another connection.
Connections.
Pen-pals are about connecting, discovering new things with each other, and most importantly building a friendship. I have pen-pals with two other preschools classes, But I Smile Anyway… and I didn’t have my glasses on….
I did not have student pen-pals, until now. I think this is the best thing since sliced bread.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Jennie