When the world shut down in the spring of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas teacher Emily Wilde thought she would see her students again within weeks. Instead, many simply disappeared from her life. This sudden feeling — of unfinished conversations, things she never said — stuck with her long after distance learning ended.
So that fall, just before Thanksgiving break, Emily grabbed a stack of paper and wrote a heartfelt letter to each of her 130 students. This was meant to be a one-time move. Six years later, it has become one of her most meaningful annual traditions. Emily shares more with us in this Q&A.
(You can find and follow Emily on Instagram, Geometry and Jokes.)
Q: What motivates you to write handwritten notes to each student?
Before Spring Break 2020, I ended the course with “Have a great holiday! Make the right decision!” Then, the world shut down due to the pandemic. We ended the school year digitally, and I saw some students in the halls the next year, but it was a big school and I never saw some of those students again. When I realize this, I try to review whether I have told my students everything that needs to be said—things that are beyond the scope of mathematics.
Next school year, Thanksgiving break is approaching, and I have an irrational fear that my students will not return from the extended break. So I decided to handwrite these 130 letters a few days before my vacation. It meant a lot to them, so the habit stuck and I do it every year! Now, I usually send out these letters at the end of the school year, when I know the students best.
Q: When you first started, did you ever think this would become a long-term tradition?
I certainly had no idea it would become a tradition, but six years later, I have no plans to stop. Every year when I finish writing 50 letters and feel my hand cramp, I wonder why I did it. But when I see their smiles and their quiet “thank yous,” I have no doubt it was time well spent.
Q: How do you find time to do this?
I print out a roster for each class and start at the top. Then I write a letter, cross the name off my list, and move on to the next one. I try to start early so that if I have a few minutes free after class, between classes, or during a meeting, I can write a few articles at a time. As the last day of school approaches, I usually have to take my notes home to study and get them all done!
Q: What do you include in your notes?
I usually start and end the same way:
[Student’s name],
I’m excited to teach/get to know you this year. [Insert something personal like I’m proud of them for something, a warning if I think they’re going down the wrong path, a funny memory, etc.]
If you need anything please let me know!
like,
mrs wilde
So whether the notes are motivational, inside jokes, insightful, etc. depends on my relationship with the student and what I think they need.
Q: What impact do you think it will have on students and families?
When I attended a baseball game at school, a former student’s mother spotted me waiting in line at the concession stand. She hugged me and told me that her son had a small board in his room where he hung important things and my notes were written on the board and it is still there two years later!
Another mom reached out to me and told me how difficult their family life had been that year, and her child brought the note home smiling from ear to ear, and she thanked me.
Occasionally, students will write me back a letter, which I love and appreciate, but it’s something I never expected. (Side note to new teachers: Keep everything made with love that students and colleagues give you. I call mine a “sunshine box.” You’re going to need it on the tough days.)
Each note can take three to four minutes to write, and sometimes they can have a lasting impact.
Q: How many notes have you written over the years?
My student list has ranged from 75 to 130 over the years. So if I estimate 100 notes per year, I’ve written about 500 notes so far. This year’s student population will be close to 600.
Q: What advice would you give to another teacher who wants to start this tradition?
Take time to consider each child one by one. As you write their name at the top of the note, think about what they need from you or what you need to tell them. If you can’t think of much – because that sometimes happens – then you can say something you would say to any student. You’re glad you got to teach them, you’ll support them in the future, and you’ll always be there for them.
Start a few weeks in advance and set a goal for how much you want to write each day without burning yourself out. If you lose motivation, imagine the look on the kids’ faces when you hand out the slips!
Q: Is there anything else we should know?
I’ve been buying my own sticky notes for years, but this year I finally ordered them from Classroom Budgeting! Most administrators will be happy to fund this, so go ahead and ask if you’d like to try it.
Plus, check out how the Classroom Kindness Project led a teacher to the TEDx stage!
