Kip practically ran over to the bin to grab her Serendipity Journal the next morning. Mrs. Holiday said that she spent her evening reading through what each student wrote and responding to everyone. Kip thought to herself, “I bet Mr. Holiday wasn’t too pleased!”
“Okay my seventh grade friends, we will have ten minutes today to journal. I will walk around as you write to answer any questions you have. Before we begin, let’s review our guidelines. Who remembers one of them?”
A boy named Steve raised his hand, and Mrs. Holiday called on him. “No using real names, we can make up fake ones instead.”
“Good, thank you Steve. Now, who remembers another guideline?”
Susan and a few other students raised their hands. Mrs. Holiday called on Susan. “Don’t write anything mean or any insults.”
“Perfect! I think we are ready to write. I can’t wait to read your thoughts!” Mrs. Holiday said excitedly and Kip scrambled to find what Mrs. Holiday wrote to her.
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
- If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
- If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
Put your answers to the questions in the comments for this post and I will use your feedback when I write Mrs. Holiday’s response to Kip. You guys are awesome and I can’t wait to hear what you think.
By: Gavin
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
If I were Mrs. Holiday I would write back I feel bad for you I wish you had house by now hopefully you have a good time her in Grand Rapids and you get a new house soon. I like this chapter a lot because it is suspending to see what she wrote.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gavin, I agree that Mrs. Holiday would let Kip know that she feels bad for her. She seems like the type of teacher who would “feel” for her students and try and relate to their problems. Nice job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your input Gavin!! I agree that Mrs. Holiday is an empathetic person! Good insight!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Payne and Brody
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
1.If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
That Mrs. Holiday will like it and put a nice comment on it. We think that Mrs. Holiday will like Kip´s writing and put: I like what you wrote and I want to read another one of your writings!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So right, guys!! I know Mrs. Holiday is the type of teacher who enjoys reading her students work and would look forward to reading more. Great idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Payne and Brody,
I agree, I think Mrs. Holiday loves that Kip poured her heart out in the journal! Good insight!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Kailey and Misty
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
We would write; I am sorry about you having to leave your friends
but I am sure you will make lots of new friends in Jackson school.
If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
If we were Kip,we would want to hear that she is glad to hear that we have a better
house soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kailey and Misty,
I love the idea of Mrs. Holiday helping Kip feel even more hopeful about her move to Jackson. Great idea! Thank you!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Lauryn
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
Hello Kip,I was very curious to hear about how you moved from Grand Rapids to here! I hope your house in Grand Rapids is sold soon so you can get a new house. I hope that your grandpaś house isnt so bad. I also hope that Jeff isnt that bad of a pain. I am so glad that you like the idea of the Serendipity Journal! I dont blame you if you seem sorry for yourself,moving away from all your friends and stuff is probaly really hard and scary, but I think you will make new friends here to!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lauryn, great response! You have captured the essence of Mrs. Holiday. Well done 🙂 You are doing such a great job helping Mrs. Apsey edit this amazing book 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Lauryn,
You made Mrs. Holiday’s response very caring. I agree with you that she has a big heart! There is some evidence from the story that helps us see that. Did you notice that evidence too?
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By:Kendall Tenyer
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
I would write that Mrs.Holiday feels bad for Kip because of her family,and what has been going on lately,and that she would like to make it better for Kip so that Kip doesn’t feel bad because her family had to move away from all her friends.,and that she should be the one to ask girls to be her friend.So Thank you for letting me edit this chapter.
If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip´s perspective?
If I was Kip I would like to hear that she is going to be the best teacher that she going to ever have in her life,and that she should be the one to have more friends.I hope that Mrs.Holiday wrote from Kip´s perspective .Thank you for letting me edit this too you are the best author ever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kendall, I agree, Mrs. Apsey is an amazing author, but so are YOU. You have great ideas and I’m so glad you have this opportunity to get your voice out there. Good job, girl 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to second Mrs. Biedermann’s thoughts here…YOU are an amazing author with great ideas Kendall!!
LikeLike
Hello Kendall,
Thank you so much for your feedback and your high compliments! I agree that Kip wants to hear hopeful things from Mrs. Holiday and that Mrs. Holiday will show great care in her response to Kip. Great ideas!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Ally Rea VanTroostenberghe
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
I’m sorry that you had to go through that Kipalee.I hope you don’t have to worry about that again.I’m glad that you like the Serendipity journal so far.And I hope you will make new friends in my classes.It’s ok that your feeling sorry for yourself.You have been through some harsh times.I really hope I can get to know you. Sincerely, Mrs. Holiday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ally, I like your ideas about how Mrs. Holiday would respond to Kipalee! You’ve really captured Mrs. Holiday’s genuine nature and kind heart. Great job! I loved watching you and your classmates listen to this chapter together and begin working on these responses!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Ally,
You made Mrs. Holiday’s response SO caring! I really like that! Thank you for your feedback.
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Julie Bottone
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?Sorry, that you had to go threw all of the moving Kip,and I hope that this new school is a good place for you and the bullying stops so you can enjoy the rest of the years as they go by.You deserve to enjoy the life that you have like we all do so I hope that you don’t have to go through that again,hope you enjoy the new school Kip
Sincerely Mrs.Holiday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Julie,
I love how you said, “you deserve to enjoy the life you have…”. I so agree with that statement! Thank you for your feedback!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Ryan, Greysen, and Raegan
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
I feel bad that you had to move from your home to Jackson, although I think you will like it here. It can be tough moving to new places. I am stubborn like that to. I am excited to have you in my class. You are a very smart kid. I hope you like our school. I also don’t like writing essays or assignments. I’m excited to hear from you again.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Holiday!
We also figured out that Mrs. Holiday is in her twentys!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Ryan, Greysen and Raegan,
I love your response from Mrs. Holiday! One thing I especially appreciate is that you had Mrs. Holiday reveal that she is stubborn like Kip! I also like how Mrs. Holiday says that she is excited to have Kip in class. That sounds exactly like something Mrs. Holiday would say!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Kayse
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
9/3/2017
Dear kip
I’m sorry that you had to move but you will enjoy here to and I hope you are feeling good about living here and I hop you have a good year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kayse, I loved watching you work on this response today. You were so focused. I totally agree that Mrs. Holiday would feel bad for Kip and would pass along her hopes that she has a good year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Kayse,
I appreciate that you had Mrs. Holiday talk about hope a lot!! Thank you for your feedback!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Drew,Graham, Hayden.
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
I would write that she has done a great job of doing her writing by herself and hope she likes it and have fun this school year. I hope you don’t get bullied by anyone . If you do come and if they keep doing it tell me
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Drew, Graham, and Hayden,
I like the idea of Mrs. Holiday complimenting Kip on her writing! Thank you for sharing that idea!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Gabby
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
Kip I am sorry you had to move from your home in Grand Rapids.When I was little I had to move because of my dads job so I know what you are going through. I hope you make friends in Jackson soon I see that you have made one already Susan right you have the talent to make friends I see. Kip I also see you have been enjoying this time and really expressing your feelings and I like how you told me the things that have happened this summer that is really what I wanted to see what happens outside of school like on the weekends and summer vacation that is really what makes this a good journal entry I hope to hear from you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Holiday
If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
I would hope Mrs. Holiday wrote something about me moving like: I am so sorry for you Kip you had to move from Grand Rapids that is so hard because when I was little I had to move because of my dads job I hope you know that I know what you are going through so sorry Kip you are such an honest person. I had to go through the same as you I hope you write something tomorrow you will get a response for sure. Thank you again for taking this time to read each and every one of our responses you are so kind for being a amazing athor and reading our comments I can’t wait to read the next chapter you are awesome Mrs. Apsey!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Gabby,
Thank you for your feedback! I like how you had Mrs. Holiday share a similar experience with Kip, I think that would make Kip connect even more with Mrs. Holiday and feel understood. You are very insightful!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By:
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
Bella:
I would write “I am glad that you like the idea of the Serendipity Journal.I can relate to moving and changing schools.It is very hard to move away.I hope you can make more friends here.I would like to hear more about your brother Jeff.”
Nick:
I was wondering if you could add more details about Mr.Holiday in chapter 6 because I am confused about how old Mr.Holiday is and where is he.
Miah:
I was also wonder about Mr.Holiday too. I would like to know how old he is because we already know how old Mrs.Holiday and I want to know if he is older,younger, or the same age.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Bella, Nick and Miah,
Thank you so much for your ideas and questions! I haven’t written anything about Mr. Holiday yet. I wonder if other students have the same questions you have about him. Bella, I appreciate your idea of having Mrs. Holiday let Kip know that she relates to moving, I think Kip would like that.
Thank you for reading and commenting!
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Tyl ,lance ,Isaiah
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
Deer Kip,I love what you are writing in your serendipity journal also. I really want to see what you write nextest. I hope you are being thoughtful of every buty. I love what you are writing and keep it up.:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Tyl, Lance and Isaiah,
Thank you for reading and giving your feedback! I see that you picture Mrs. Holiday to be very positive with Kip and that is what I picture too!
Keep being awesome!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
By: Lillian
From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
Dear Student Editors,
This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
I think Mrs. Holiday would say in a response is.
I’m glad you like the Serendipity Journals I am super exited to. I thought it would be a good way to write and for me to know you this year since your new here. I love that you like to write also a am not a writting teacher to not write to.
I am soooooo sorry you had to move and I would also be scarred if my husban (Mr. Holiday) did not have a job. Moving is also a hard thing to I have ( editors choice have Mrs. Holiday say she moved or not please delete this little part in text. Thanks).
I’m exited you love my class. I hope this year will be great for you. You will have lots of fun this year please tell me if you don’t in your journal. Thanks for loving me and to think I’m a fun teacher.
Sincerly Mrs. Holiday
love her class/ fun teacher
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Lillian,
Thank you for sharing your feedback! You made Mrs. Holiday’s response very empathetic and that is just how I picture her responding! I really like how you had Mrs. Holiday ask Kip to let her know if she is not having fun. That means she really wants to help her all year long and I think Kip would really like that!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
Wow, Gabby! I can really hear Mrs. Holiday’s “voice” in your response. Very well done! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
From: Isabella and Hailey, Mrs. Ray’s Class
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
I would write back that her writing was good.
I would write back that I am very exited to have you in my class this year.
If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
I hope she will write that she was talented at writing in her journal.
I would like to hear that this is going to be a great year and I’m excited to have you as a student.
One question we have for Mrs. Apsey is “Why is this chapter so short?” As the author, why did you choose to make this chapter shorter than the others?
Thank you! We are loving this book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Isabella and Hailey,
Thank you so much for your feedback! I like the idea of Mrs. Holiday complementing Kip on her writing. It totally sounds like something Mrs. Holiday would do, and I agree that Kip is a good writer (if I do say so myself 😉 ).
Great question about this chapter. It actually is not a whole chapter, it is just the beginning of the fifth chapter. I will post whole chapters sometimes and other times I will post questions or parts of chapters.
I am so glad that you are helping me write this book! Thank you!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
Hi Mrs Apsey
The students in 4K/F wrote some great responses, and had fantastic ideas for this chapter. Mostly they wanted Mrs Holiday to show she understood how Kip was feeling and to reassure her that she would settle in and make new friends. They also wanted Mrs Holiday to show Kip that she cared about her and was there for her if she needed her. They thought Kip would like reassurance that she just needed to be herself an people, teachers and students, would like her. They would also like Mrs Holiday to tell Kip more about herself, and make some connections with her. Some students also wanted Mrs Holiday to let Kip know she appreciated how much effort she put into her writing and that she loved Kip sharing her thoughts with her. A few also thought Mrs Holiday could give Kip feedback on her writing to help her improve.
To me, the responses highlighted how important relationships with student are, and all students want to feel connected to, and valued by, their teachers. I was also encouraged by how empathetic their responses were.
This was a great activity for the students, but also an insightful one for me as a teacher. Thanks for including it.
Mrs Caswell
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Students of 4K/F,
Thank you so much for your insightful feedback! I can’t wait to edit Mrs. Holiday’s letter to Kip using some of your ideas!
As I look at the student comments for this chapter, I agree with you and with Mrs. Caswell. It is good for teachers to see how important good relationships with teachers. Thank you for sharing your great input!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
I like how you have Kip think ¨I bet Mr. Holiday wasn’t too pleased!” I found that part funny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Violet,
I am glad you share my sense of humor! Thank you for reading and for giving me feedback!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
I think Mrs. Holiday would feel bad for her and tell her she’s there for her if she needs help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great suggestion, thank you Rachel!
LikeLike
A bit short, but a good chapter. Sorry, haven’t written in a while, should probably do that before my grades plummet. Nothing I can do to, “really influence this book,” but I think that The Serendipity Journal is going to go great. I can’t wait to read it,
Langston
Langston T.
LT
LTH
Langston T. H.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Langston,
Thank you for your feedback! Hope all is well in your world.
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
If I were Kip, I would hope that Mrs. Holiday would be able to sympathize with me. Maybe Mrs. Holiday could have had a similar experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great suggestion Naomi! I am interested to see what you think of Mrs. Holiday’s response when you read it!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
I would like if in the chapter you said what Mrs.Holiday wrote back to Kip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Abby,
Read the next post to see what Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip! I hope you enjoy it!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
If I was Kip, I would’ve hoped that she could understand the view it’s coming from and how she could morally support her if she felt down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great suggestions Taha! Thank you!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
Hello Mrs. Apsey. I think it would it be a good idea for Mrs. Holiday would say something like “see me”. Then when Kip came to her desk, she would have her elaborate on the letter, just like what Mr. Daniels did to Ally in Fish in a Tree. I really enjoy reading this so thank you 🙂
Lily
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Lily,
Thank you for the suggestion, I hadn’t thought of that idea. It might work toward the end of the book. I am so glad you are reading The Serendipity Journal.
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
Hi!
I love how much Kip wants to see what Mrs. Holiday wrote. I think Mrs. Holiday should write some advice about how Kip should adjust to the school.
Can’t wait to keep reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Julia,
Thank you for your feedback! I can’t wait until you read Mrs. Holiday’s response. Please let me know what you think!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
I think that Mrs. Holiday should have some way to relate to Kip as in maybe she moved when she was younger, then they would have something to bond over.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great suggestion Cam and Matt! I think I may have included just that in Mrs. Holiday’s response!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
I would like Mrs.Holiday to write that she hopes Kips situation gets better and that she would like to get to know Kip more throughout the school year.She seems the type to care about her students and what they are going through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Mahbuba,
I agree with you, Mrs. Holiday does seem the type to care about her students! I hope you enjoy the rest of the book!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
I would hope that Mrs Holiday wrote something about how she hoped that things would get better for kip and her family
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Aaron,
I think you will like Mrs. Holiday’s response!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
Dear Ms. Apsey,
In my opinion, I think you should write a more generic reply for kip’s journal entry, something like” I am so glad you like the serendipity journal! I know You’ll be a great student in the future! I just know it!” I think this will reflect how Mrs. Holiday and Kip will get along finely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Aiden,
Thank you for your feedback! Please let me know what you think of Mrs. Holiday’s response!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
I think Kip would like to hear about Mrs. Holiday’s experiences in what she is going through right now with moving to the new school.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your feedback Alex!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
If I was Mrs. Holiday, I would tell Kip things she may have in common, like “I don’t like having a topic chosen for me either!”
If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday?
I would want to hear things we have in common.
I love the book so far!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Tess,
Excellent suggestions! Other students wanted Mrs. Holiday to make connections with Kip also. Thank you for reading and giving me feedback!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
Dear Mrs Apsey,
I really enjoyed this chapter, but could you maybe have a little more meaning to it. To pull the reader in. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Natalie,
Thank you for your suggestion. If you have any specific ideas on how to put more meaning in the chapter to pull the reader in, let me know.
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
Dear Mrs. Apsey,
I like this part of the chapter. I only have one suggestion. Instead of having what Mrs. Holiday says in chapter seven, maybe you could combine what Mrs. Holiday says in chapter seven in chapter five so that you can write something else in chapter seven. Otherwise I so far like both parts of chapter five.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting suggestion Tyler! Thank you for sharing your feedback!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
Dear Mrs. Apsey,
If I was Mrs. Holiday, I would write something to make Kip feel empathy. Something that would make her smile. If I was Kip, I would want to hear some hard things that Mrs. Holiday had to go through. That would make me/Kip feel a lot better about her situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great ideas Chloe–sharing similar experiences really strengthens connections. Thank you for your feedback!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
If I were Mrs Holiday,I would write about the things Kip and I would have in common with each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great ideas Lakshitha! Thank you!
LikeLike
Dear Mrs. Apsey,
If I was Mrs. Holiday I would compliment Kip on her handwriting and letter, and I would also share a common experience with her (Kip) moving to Jackson. I can’t wait to read Mrs. Holiday’s response!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ervin! Please let me know what you think of Mrs. Holiday’s response!
Love,
Mrs. Apsey
LikeLike
I love how you stop the chapter in that cliff hanger!! I love it. I’m nervous for her!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person