one thing we started last year was inviting families to write a special note or picture in their child’s journal. the preschooler didn’t know this was happening, so when the note was found during a school day, there were certainly smiles.
i can imagine doing this in different ways too: a note that is given on a birthday, a card left in the child’s cubby, etc.
newcreationpreschool.com 
I love your blog and especially this journal idea. It makes me miss my kindergarten-teaching days!
aww..how sweet!! i bet they loved it!! i am going to try this with my two year olds!!
. . . And what a surprise for me to click over and find a whole new look. Nice! =)