The magic of words: How a journaling project creates lasting bonds

For a child, there’s something powerful about realizing that someone — outside of their family or teachers — cares about them. Someone who doesn’t have to but does anyway.

That’s what the WISE Journaling Project provides: an unexpected connection built through the simple act of writing.

The program pairs third graders at Whittier Elementary with adult volunteers who exchange letters in a journal throughout the school year. The result? Students develop stronger writing skills and experience the profound impact of forming a relationship through words.

“The children realize that someone, a person they’ve never met before, that just sort of comes out of the ether, cares about them,” said Bobby Brown, a longtime volunteer with the program. “And that relationship isn’t based on grades or expectations; it’s built entirely on goodwill.” 

Over the course of the year, students share about themselves and what they’re learning in school and ask their journaling partner questions. “Typically, the child is very open about their lives,” said Brown. “They like to ask us about our pets and families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate love and caring and positively affect the life of a child.”

More than just writing

The WISE Journaling Project was originally started decades ago by Whittier teacher Craig Yager. It was revived in 2014 by third-grade teacher Lisa O’Brien and her colleagues with a grant from the City of Boulder and support from the Rotary Club. Since then, it has continued annually, with various funding sources, including recent support from Impact on Education’s Academic Opportunity Fund Grants, which provided journals for the next three years.

“One of the reasons we started the program was that research has shown that when people write for an authentic audience, their writing quality and quantity improve,” O’Brien said. “Writing is one of the most challenging skills for young students. It requires not only technical ability but also the confidence to share thoughts and ideas.”

That confidence grows with every letter exchanged. Students begin thinking creatively about how to ask meaningful questions,  tell a story, and describe their world to someone new.

A lasting connection

“The program creates a personal relationship between two people who do not know each other and have no context,” Brown said. “The students have to be creative and think about how to use writing to get to know someone.”

Though it improves writing skills, the value of the program goes beyond academics. These letters forge connections that might not otherwise exist. Over time, students and their WISE partners build trust, anticipation, and a sense of belonging. Then, they meet in person for the first time in May at a celebratory tea party. “The excitement on their faces when they finally meet their partners is incredible,” O’Brien said. “It’s a connection they never forget.”

For many students, these journals become treasured keepsakes. Meanwhile, journal partners receive copies of all their letters, a tangible reminder of the relationships they’ve built.

“Many partners continue writing to their students even after the program ends,” O’Brien shared. “It’s a testament to how meaningful this exchange is for both sides.”

Thanks to the support of Impact on Education, this program will continue fostering literacy, connection, and confidence for years to come.

“This grant ensures that our students will continue to benefit from this program for the next three years,” O’Brien said. “The impact goes beyond the classroom. These relationships and the confidence students gain as writers will stay with them long after third grade.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

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