IT'S TIME FOR THE ANNUAL POSTCARD EXCHANGE - SIGN UP NOW

I am teaming up with the eva fabulous Cheryl over at Primary Graffiti to help her get her annual Postcard Exchange up and running.  For the past 6 years Cheryl has hosted this wonderful event . . . I found out about it last year and I am in L-O-V-E!  I could not miss out on the opportunity to offer a helping hand to my bloggy buddy and get in on the action in the process :) #itsawinwin 

Here's how this exchange rolls . . . please read the notes carefully to ensure that you wish to participate (it does require some ciz-ash on your part for postcards and postage).  If you have ANY reservations about this, please pass on signing up until your questions are answered.  We are looking for a solid commitment when you type that name into our short Google Doc.  Sorry to be a bit poopy here, but the kids are served SO much better when they receive a postcard from each state.  

On that note, we are accepting TWO THREE (I upped it due to the overwhelming response) entries from each state and they are both open to ALL grade levels.  To make things easy on you, we have a sign up form in Google Docs.  This puppy is launchin' on a first come, first serve basis, so type F-A-S-T to ensure that you snag your state.  The forms are time stamped so we will know who signed up first when we compile our list.  ALSO . . . please make sure that ALL of your information is correct as you type and that you have filled out the email and shipping addy completely!  We will delete incorrect/incomplete entries.  

Alright, we're moving on to the supplies needed . . . 49 postcards, 49 stamps, and 49 labels.  I know.  I know.  It seems like a lot, but it's well worth it . . . believe me!  You will receive 49 postcards in exchange!!  My kids flipped out every time I told them that we had "mail."

You may choose to purchase or create your postcards once we have confirmed that you are in the exchange.   I sent a design off to Vista Print to save myself the headache of searching for state postcards.  However, it's your call. Remember . . . this exchange DOES cost money.  Expect to spend about $30 for postcards, postage, and labels by the time you finish.  Again . . . I promise that it is worth the time and money!

We will prepare the labels with each participants' name and addy.  You can print them out and stick 'em to the cards . . . this way we will save you at least a little leg work :)

We suggest allowing students to have ownership of the exchange by creating a message with your class.  This way it will be more meaningful when your students receive their cards.  We usually put facts about our school and class as well as info about our state in our messages.  Both Cheryl and I prepared the messages on larger sticky labels and had the kids stick them to the cards. However, if you have older kiddos, you may choose to have them copy the message that y'all came up with.  

All cards must be mailed by October 31st.  We all start at different times, so hopefully this gives you a little cushion to fulfill your commitment to the exchange.  

Instead of reading all the cards at once, I spaced them out over the span of a few months.  I read 3-4 each week and this lasted quite some time.  I posted a US map and we had the best time hunting down our new friends in relation to us.  Cheryl also suggests blowing your babes' minds by using Google Earth to show the address on the card.  When the playground pops up with kids on it, they freak!  They really think that they are seeing the friends that sent the card (and . . . in a way . . . they are).  HA!  

Finally today . . . once all of the slots are filled, we will send out an email confirmation (please do not order postcards or start the process until you have been confirmed).  We are hoping to have this process completed by the Labor Day, but we will see how things go.  You will need to reply to our confirmation within 48 hours (we will be sure to post it on our blogs too).  If a response is not received we will have to offer up your slot to the next person who signed up for your state.  

THIS SECTION WILL BE UPDATED DAILY 
(LAST UPDATE = SAT @ 8:10 PDT)

HOWEVER, AN OPEN STATE DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU A SLOT.

SORRY MY FRIENDS . . . IT DEPENDS ON YOUR TIME STAMP.

Alright . . . now that you are interested, we have some bad news.  Most states are now FULL.  We have some fast friends out there :(  Again . . . I have opened up a bonus group (3 total).  However, the above info reflects ALL of the exchanges. Here are a list of the states that are still OPEN...

Alaska - 3 slots
Arkansas - 2 slots
Delaware - 3 slots
Hawaii - 1 slot
Minnesota - 1 slot
Mississippi - 1 slot
Montana - 3 slots
New Mexico - 1 slot
North Dakota - 1 slot
Oregon - 1 slot
Rhode Island - 2 slots
South Dakota - 3 slots
Tennessee - 1 slot
West Virginia - 1 slot
Wyoming - 2 slots 

Cheryl has a wonderful State Notebook freebie if you are interested.  It's for little learners and it's supa-cool!  Check it out HERE.

After all that, are you still interested in trying to get in on this deal??

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT OUR FORM - WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YA.

QUESTIONS?  Email me . . . kelleydolling@gmail.com

**NOTE . . . we had a few requests to include Canada in this fun program.  Unfortunately, this is a US exchange only this year.  However, Primary Teaching Resources is hosing a Canada Exchange.  Click here to learn more. 

OH MY . . . look at the time!!??!!  GULP!!  I best get to lesson planning.  I planted my flower beds today and left my plan book with a few too many holes.  I'd better start plugging away STAT!  Have a wonderful week my friends - it's just like riding a bike, right??!!  Hehehehehe . . . HUGS!!!