
ALL photos used with permission from parents and teachers.

Charlie the Turtle became a vital part of Katie Nelson’s kindergarten.
Mailboxes especially designed for class pets are delightful K-1 writing props! Students love to write books about their animal friends and to pen personal messages to them—especially if they receive answers! Notice the use of spiral, twinkling, and 5-point stars (from 30 Essential Kindergarten-Friendly Handwriting Lessons) that were used to “fancy up” drawings. Charlie the Turtle inspired two ambitious boys to research facts about turtles online. Then they independently wrote turtle information books. Writing is authentic kindergarten child’s play!
Errol the Bunny has his own mailbox in Laura Flocker’s kindergarten

Errol is a bunny who lives in the classroom. His mailbox is often filled with heart-felt letters, and students frequently receive personal responses. (Laura’s daughter wields Errol’s pen.)
What if you don’t have a class pet? Create an imaginary one!

Imaginary pets nurture children’s imagination because they are often as “real” to young children as live ones! Kindergartners wrote questions to the fairies who lived in this tiny realm and were enchanted with the responses written on miniature cards.
We heard about a kindergarten teacher in Arizona who has a kindergarten elf living behind a small rotting log in her classroom. His mailbox is next to the log. The children never see him—he disappears during daytime; however, the class receives admonitions about good behavior and letters from him.

And I have “kindness elves” who appear in their special little cardboard home in our kitchen. My young friends love these delightful little dolls! Through the exchange of messages—carefully folded into miniature envelopes, of course—the elves continue to inspire kindness dialog and literacy.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. ~ Einstein
For more authentic and playful writing lessons, printables, and delightful student samples, please see Nellie Edge Kindergarten TpT Store
“This bundle gave my kinders the scaffolding and confidence to truly become writers. The ideas are simple yet profound; this product should be required in every kinder classroom.” —M.R. quote from TPT
SMILES for playful teaching and learning!
Nellie Edge
Nellie Edge Online Seminars
Nellie Edge teaches you essential skills designed from 30 years of experience in step-by-step videos:
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Seminar #2: Kindergarten-Friendly Handwriting Matters!
Seminar #3: Authentic Sight Word Work
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- Companion Teacher's Guide
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