Since Alpha Shows began in 2003, we have received thousands of messages from schools, teachers and children. Traditionally, this was done in person or sent in the mail! The purpose mainly was to send artwork, messages and thanks to the Cast of Performers. We have brought this ability into the app, to make it much easier to send us mail!
Go to the Mail app inside the Alpha Shows App. If you haven’t sent a message before, you’ll be presented with the option of starting a new mail, or sending a message to Alpha Shows Support. If you’ve sent a Mail message before, you’ll see a list of your messages, as well as an indicator of any replies from the Alpha Shows cast! Check back to see the replies.
When you want to send us new Mail, open up the new Mail option. If you’ve already filled out your email address, it’ll display, otherwise, fill out your email (a valid email is required to send Mail). Then write your message (or copy and paste it in). You can also add your artwork or hand-drawn message by adding a photo. Upload a file from your device (or take pictures of hand-drawn artwork) and attach it.
Then hit ‘Send Mail’ and it’ll be posted to the Alpha Shows website. Replies will be visible on the website and in your Alpha Shows App.
Mail Feature: Foster Connection & Creativity with Alpha Shows!
The Mail feature in the Alpha Shows App brings the long-loved tradition of sending messages, artwork, and thanks to the cast into a modern, digital space. This feature offers several educational and developmental benefits for children, parents, and teachers alike:
Encourages Creative Expression
• Sending artwork or hand-drawn messages gives children an outlet to express their creativity and emotions.
• Kids can share their ideas, showcase their artistic skills, and connect with the performers, reinforcing the show’s messages through their personal creations.
• The act of creating and sending artwork encourages fine motor skills and self-expression, while building confidence in their creative abilities.
Strengthens Communication Skills
• Writing messages to the cast or Alpha Shows team helps children practice written communication, including how to structure a message, express thoughts clearly, and engage in a conversation.
• Parents and teachers can use this as an opportunity to encourage creative writing exercises, guiding children to communicate their thoughts, gratitude, or questions about the show.
• This can be particularly valuable in developing literacy skills such as spelling, grammar, and sentence structure in a fun and interactive way.
Builds Emotional Connections
• Sending messages to the cast allows children to feel connected to the characters and performers they admire, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
• The opportunity to receive replies from the Alpha Shows cast helps children feel heard and valued, promoting positive emotional development and reinforcing the idea that their thoughts matter.
• This can be especially beneficial in supporting emotional expression and providing a sense of emotional support, especially for children who may be shy or introverted.
Reinforces Social-Emotional Learning
• Engaging with the Mail feature can deepen children’s understanding of gratitude and empathy, especially when sending messages of thanks or positive feedback to performers.
• It teaches children about respect and politeness in communication, as they practice expressing thanks and appreciation in a thoughtful way.
• It also fosters a growth mindset by encouraging them to reflect on the show’s messages and share how it impacted them personally.
Learning Through Technology
• The Mail feature provides a safe, digitally enhanced method for children to send messages, making it accessible in today’s tech-savvy world.
• For teachers, it offers a simple yet effective tool to incorporate into classroom activities, whether for sending messages of thanks after a school visit or for assigning creative projects that involve writing and artwork submission.
Easy Access & Reply Tracking
• Once a message is sent, children and parents can easily track replies from the Alpha Shows team, creating an ongoing conversation that deepens their connection to the experience.
• The ability to access both sent messages and replies within the app keeps the interaction seamless, with the option to revisit conversations at any time.
The Mail feature in the Alpha Shows App empowers children to express themselves, practice communication skills, and strengthen their emotional intelligence, all while connecting with the characters and performers in a meaningful and interactive way. It’s a modern twist on a classic tradition that cultivates creativity, gratitude, and community!
