Literary Love

Scholastic Book Club

Dear Emma,

You're so funny and cute. I love the way that you get excited about books; the way that you laugh out loud after reading something funny; the way that you are now taking your time to sound out tricky words instead of immediately turning to me for the answer. You are now fully aware that, aside from containing great knowledge, books also hold adventures. You are always so excited on Fridays, that's the day that your class gets to check out books from the library. As a second grader, you now get to choose two books, and you always take advantage of that opportunity.

These days, you are all about this one book from The Black Lagoon Adventures (can't remember which). Your class was treated, and each of you got to bring it home. I think you read your copy at least a couple times a day. When book order time rolled around, we were both excited to see the newest adventure being offered, and a box set of past adventures. Since you are so in love with them, I decided to get all of them for you. I'm looking forward to seeing those big eyes of yours light up when you bring them home.

(side note: You wore your The Very Hungry Caterpillar shirt to school today. You happen to be a big Eric Carle fan too!)

Love,
Mommy

Whoa!

Dear Emma,

You're well into your third year in elementary school now, and today, you said something that finally cemented your big girl status. We were in the car, and talking about the day's school activities when you reflected on your spelling test. We had only studied your spelling words together the night before, paying careful attention to the words that had tricky combination of letters. You said that you thought you did good, confident that you had spelled "campground" correctly. And then you said, "we didn't get our tests back today, I don't think she (your teacher) had time to grade them." Oh. My. God. You actually said "grade", as in referring to classwork, as in referring to something other than your current academic standing! I swear, I had a That's So Raven moment. I couldn't help but flash to my Cal days, those mama bear days that became your baby bear days - thinking about how you've grown up in the lingo, about how you know what to expect from academia because you've been prepping for it and taking it in since you were 7 months old. Wow. Babies don't get graded, they get happy-faced and stickered. However, scholars-in-training sure definitely get graded.

Something as simple as a 2nd grade spelling test, as simple as introducing yourself to a friend's father in Spanish, is a testament to who you are becoming and proof that you're unstoppable.

Love,
Mommy

One Smart Cookie

Dear Emma,

Each afternoon, after getting an earful of your day, I check my rearview mirror to catch you sleeping on the ride home. Possibly a tale-tale sign of our lengthy commutes or one of just how hard you've been working and learning since becoming a 2nd grader. You wear this accomplishment with so much pride. I think you feel accomplished. Like an underclassman, thinking ahead to when you will gain a Kindergarten reading buddy as a 3rd grader. You tend to think ahead a lot. You think about what it'd be like to be a teenager, to drive a car, to own a cell phone, and even about going to college. I tend not to worry too much about your future because you are such a natural born leader. You are not shy and you are not fearful. You face each day as a new adventure and dare others to stand in your way.

Current likes: Math, Science (chemistry), Reading, Writing, Baseball, Computers, and Video Games.

Love,
Mommy

You are So Loved!

Dear Emma,

You had a great first week of school. Actually, it was more like a great first few days of school since things kicked off on a Wednesday this school year. You were very excited to start a new school year. After reminiscing about your emotional last day of first grade, corresponding with your first grade teacher about your summer activities, and picking your first day of school outfit and hairstyle, you were all ready to begin your new adventure.

We made our arrival and located your classroom assignment. We searched for your new teacher, and in the process, ran into some old friends. To your delight, you had more than a few familiar faces in your new classroom.


You met in an embrace that told us parents that you kids had really missed each other over the summer break. Your later requests for play dates, and our later exchanges of updated contact information was a reminder that we all need to do more to stay in touch. I think you are in for a wonderful journey this year. You have already been assigned your class job, which you are very excited about, you're learning what will be expected of you this year, and you are settling into your new routine beautifully. I am looking forward to helping and watching your growth this year.

Love,
Mommy

Dandelions in the Summer Time Breeze

Dear Emma,

Last week you received a very special surprise. I had told you that your 1st grade teacher would be sending you some mail, and when it arrived you were eager to open it. The small envelop revealed a card, which had one of your favorite flowers imprinted on it.


You always take extreme care in combing over your mail. You like to examine the envelop to see who its from, if its addressed specifically to you, and anything else about it that might be interesting. And the contents undergo the same level of detailed inspection. You admired your card before opening it. You read it aloud, and rushed for my computer at your teacher's request to email her a reply. I told you that we'd get to it the following day.

You have been in a back and forth exchange with your teacher for the past few days. She's told you what she's done over the summer, you've told her how you've been practicing your art/drawing skills, along with your reading, math and journal writing, she's told you just how proud she is of you for incorporating learning into your summer vacation, and you've checked my inbox daily for any sight of her name.

And then you've reminded me how you need your own computer! And I've reminded you to talk to your dad about that.

Love,
Mommy