Educators

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Classroom Friendly

For most children today, schoolwork is done electronically. The shift away from paper to screens, beginning as early as second grade, is surprising to many who still imagine students at desks with books and pencils at hand; however, educators have come to know since the early 2010s that fewer opportunities for free, handwritten expression exist in today's standard curriculum. Aside from nostalgic losses, there are material implications for generations who do not practice writing by hand. Research demonstrates the benefits of handwritten work are far-reaching, touching everything from fine motor skills to neural pathways, and from fact retention to idea generation. Recommended for 2nd-6th grades. For younger children, see Little Dearist.

My students typically use their laptops for assignments, so Dearist was a welcomed switch to writing by hand. When they saw the adorable books and illustrations, they wanted to start writing letters immediately! -Ms. Bauer, 4th Grade Teacher, Philadelphia

The Dearist Classroom Pack helps educators introduce a FUN writing activity that many students have never done before. Our packs provide everything needed to support a lesson plan on letter writing, including the guidebook series, stationery, and postage stamps so kids can begin writing at the peak of inspiration.

Did We Mention the Emotional Benefits?

What do you think happens when students are offered a choice about what to write? Teachers often report that Dearist is a win-win in the classroom. Their students are excited to write because of the freedom to express themselves in their letters. At the same time, they are learning the basic parts of a letter and how to address an envelope.

The opportunities for connection are limitless. The Dearist Classroom Packs make it easy to facilitate writing to students in another classroom or different school. Pictured above are second and third-graders from two different schools in Southern California. They used Dearist to begin a pen pal program, which led to a first-time meet up at a local park.

Dearist is a fantastic resource for teaching both the emotional ties to letter writing and the mechanics of preparing letters for delivery through the postal service. The writing prompts offer jumping-off points for the imagination, as well as a scaffold for students who benefit from structure. -Ms. Serette, Lower Elementary Montessori Guide, Atlanta

The Dearist Companion: Trailer (2 min)

Hear from educators about their experiences with Dearist. The two-minute trailer includes a clip from a conversation with a teacher who started a pen pal program using Dearist.