iStock/ElenaKurkutova
Royal Oaks Elementary teacher collects Valentine’s Day letters and postcards.
Receiving a heartfelt, handwritten letter is always sweet—and for one Royal Oaks Elementary classroom, receiving one from each state is the cherry on top. Last year, kindergarten teacher Katie Lallier began the Hearts Across the World project with a goal of receiving a Valentine’s Day card from every state.
“I saw [it in] a teacher group I am a part of on social media and thought, ‘That is an awesome idea to build knowledge of the world as well as learn about areas outside of our community,’” Lallier says.
In its first year, Lallier’s classroom received 340 cards from 27 countries. “The longest distance was 9,000 miles from us,” she says, noting the class reached their goal of receiving one card from each state.
This year, Lallier’s students are again hoping to receive one card from each state—and are excited to see all of the additional countries they’ll receive letters from.
“I am looking forward to seeing the joy in my students when we receive letters and learn other stories,” she says. “The stories of others was a great experience. We heard from musicians, pilots, fisherman in Alaska, a cruise director … The children loved hearing how others lived and things they were able to do, which gave them excitement.”
About last year’s project, Lallier says, “This project really showed the children that kindness matters. One student last year said, ‘Wow, it’s amazing all of these people thought of us!’”
Lallier’s classroom is eagerly awaiting their Valentine’s Day letters and postcards. To get involved, spread the word or reach out to someone you know who lives in a different state or country. Letter’s can be addressed to:
Royal Oaks Elementary – Attn. Mrs. Lallier’s Class 7335 Steepleview Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
