Dear [Name of Editor/Reporter]
Mother's Day had its start in 1908, when Anna Jarvis honored her mother’s memory during a church service in West Virginia. She soon began her crusade for a national Mother’s Day, explaining that a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world,” with her goal being “for each family to honor its own mother.” Her dream became reality in 1914 with President Wilson’s signed proclamation designating Mother’s Day as a national holiday.
Jarvis knew that, for a mother, no tribute could be more meaningful than one from her own child.
As we anticipate Mother’s Day this year, we propose you convey to your readers the importance of written tributes to their mothers, as well as grandmothers and other mother figures. A gift from the heart is one that costs nothing but one that they would treasure forever.
For children, particularly, writing a heartfelt message serves as both a meaningful exercise in self-expression through writing and in showing gratitude to someone who does so much for them.
Here are a few ideas to guide children in writing personal messages to their mother, grandmother, aunt or dear friend:
· Communicate in a style that you enjoy—for example, an informal note, a more formal letter, an artistic card or a creative poem.
· Write your message by hand—not typed. A written message is more personal. (For very small children, ask them questions and write their answers in a card they can decorate.)
· Mention specific times that she has shared with you or favors that she has done for you.
· Write from your heart and in your own words. If you’re having trouble getting started, here are a few ideas to make your message most meaningful:
o “I remember the time ….”
o “You are really good at ….”
o “I love you because ….”
o “Thank you for teaching me ….”
Whether she is Mom, Mother, Mama or Mommy, you can help us promote the art of writing while celebrating her at the same time. She is sure to feel loved and appreciated on the day devoted to her and long afterward.
For more information on our “Literacy is for life” campaign, please email or call [Contact info].
“Literacy is for life” is a statewide awareness campaign that is part of the Keystones to Opportunity (KtO) initiative, directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and funded through the federal Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program. The KtO grant supports programs that advance literacy skills in children from birth through grade 12 through professional development, screening and assessment, targeted interventions for students reading below grade level and research-based methods of improving classroom instruction and practice. The “Literacy is for life” campaign aims to educate everyone about the need for students to hone their skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening in order to improve their chances of success for whatever path in life they take.