“Just a Mailbox Away” is based on the true story of a young student and his family who are making the move from a small town in British Columbia over the Rocky Mountains to Alberta. This story captures the feelings of moving away from all that is known and familiar from a child's and teacher's perspective. Letter writing is not just a practical way to communicate, it is a profound and wonder-filled way to promote personalized and meaning-filled reading and writing activity. This story has been adapted many times for use with many students through the years as a personalized parting gift. Reflective dialogues that transcend time and space as they chronicle thoughts, feelings, and experiences are the most powerful tool for literacy learning. Children love to get mail! While digital dialogues are wonderful, there is still much to be said for a tangible keepsake. Studies show that these missives go deep into the heart and mind, being revisited and reflected upon many times over.
