Submitted by Erica Davis, Long Island, New York

Idea posted October 2, 2002

When I finish a unit, such as Carnival Of The Animals, I send home a paper (1/2 of 8 1/2 x 11) to all interested children. Most kids take one. There is a cute related graphic so the pre-readers know what the note is about. The letter states something like this:

Dear First Grade Parents,

Your child has just completed a listening unit on Carnival Of The Animals by Saint-Saëns. If your child is interested in continuing to enjoy this music, it can be found at the public library and can be purchased in any music store in the classical or children's section. I would also recommend related story books and videos.

Enjoy! Have a wonderful summer!

In Harmony,
Erica Davis
Vocal Music

I hope that sending the note home will increase the chance that the child and parent will follow through on acquiring the music.