Writing Corner - A Space for Practicing Gratitude and Appreciation

The following article was written by Julie K. Ball, Media Specialist at Coleman Middle School.

In the works for the last few weeks, the Media Center Writing Corner [at Coleman Middle School] is finally finished. The Writing Corner is stocked with note cards and stationery of all kinds for students (and teachers) to write notes or letters to people on campus.  These last two years have been rough on all of us.  To continue with our attempt to build a stronger sense of appreciation and community among the students and adults on campus, the Writing Corner is designed to promote the showing of gratitude toward others.  

In the last week, I have given a new option to students who have late book fees.  Instead of paying the fine, they can write thank you notes to people on campus (adults or students) and I will clear their fines and deliver the notes for them.  In just one week, around 30 notes have been written and delivered. 

I've read that it is difficult to feel both gratitude and unhappiness at the same time.  I believe that if we can create a culture of gratitude, and teach our students to regularly show appreciation, our Coleman community will be an even more pleasant place to work and learn.

I have also purchased (and two were donated) vintage/antique typewriters to encourage letter-writing and other forms of creative writing.  Some of our teachers and staff have already sent students to work on assignments on them.  The kids who have used them love typing on them!

We have developed a partnership with The Paper Seahorse in Hyde Park (a paperie and makerie and all-around amazing little shop).  They have been very generous in donating stationery and a 1931 Remington Noiseless typewriter to our Writing Corner.  The owner, Tona Bell, will also be coming to Coleman soon to do a lunchtime workshop on letter-writing.

For more information about the Writing Corner at Coleman, email Julie at julie.ball@sdhc.k12.fl.us.