Sending REAL Mail: The Old-Fashioned Way

Sending Real Mail!

Who wouldn't want to get mail from this enthusiastic third grader?

Call me old fashioned, but there's nothing like getting a REAL handwritten letter in the mail.  This post is a reminder to all that although technology may be very convenient in our day-to-day lives, I think it's safe to say we've lost touch in our world.  That's right, tell me that last time you were at a family gathering and somebody wasn't on their cell phone?  We've become accustomed to being isolated to the world of our phones, whether it's Facebook, Twitter (however that works), or a text message, REAL and thoughtful human contact seems farther and farther away.  So, here's a post to dedicated to keeping the art of the written letter alive.  Yes, a handwritten cursive letter for that matter, sent to a grandparent on our uniquely handmade "vintage" paper.  It really doesn't get any cuter folks (unless you're a gerbil in a heart sweater).

Vintage Paper Making

Here we are dying white paper in a mixture of coffee and tea to give it that truly "vintage" look.

We're a unique bunch here at One Magic Classroom, and we couldn't just write a letter on any ol' paper.  Solution: let's make our own vintage paper by simply taking a plain white piece of paper, tearing it around the edges, and then crumpling it up into a ball.  Once you unfold the ball, soak it in a "magic" solution of tea or coffee.  Most of the kids decided to dip them in both.  Yes, they are impulsive.  My tea of choice, Emerald Lily (of course named after me).  It even makes the classroom smell like a hip Portland coffee shop (ha!).

Tea?  Coffee?  Both?

Elijah and Megan hard at work at the One Magic Classroom Vintage Paper Factory.

Just like the old-fashioned way to dry clothes: hang 'em up!

Here is our vintage laundry line of paper.

Lastly, you'll want to dab your wet vintage paper on some paper towels and hang them to dry.  Most should be dry in less than a few hours.  I told the kids to get creative with their "old" paper.  Write a secret message, or draw out a map to find a pirate's sunken treasure.  It's a nice surprise addition to our cursive letters.

Follow me to the SECRET GERBIL SWEATER FACTORY!!  (dun…dun…dun)

Don't forget to let them use a vintage letter stamp kit, courtesy of Don Greenwood.

Taylor even priced her map at the new low price of $123.24.   

Check out the handwriting on this kid.  I'd say Easton's cursive is better than any adult I know.

The best part of sending letters in the mail is getting letters BACK in the mail.  Many of the third graders asked their grandparents what life was like back when they were in third grade.  You may have guessed it, but yes, most grandparents did walk a mile to school; better yet, they used an outdoor bathroom.  And the things kids complain about these days!

 Smile if you're happy that you didn't have to use an outhouse in school.

 I recently found a letter I wrote to my grandmother while she was sick in the hospital.  After she passed away, I found it on top of her nightstand next to her bed.  It was only a few simple lines:

I don't like when you are sick grandma.  I hope 1997 is better than 1996 for you.

Lily

I sealed it with a sticker (a bee on a flower) that said "Buzzin' along!" and wrote my name in my best cursive.  

I have a feeling our third grade letters will be cherished by their grandparents for many years to come.  Who knows, they might even keep them by their bed and read them when they are sick.