E-mail is faster, texting is the style, but there's still something about opening the mailbox and seeing a real envelope with your name written on it that's exciting no matter how old you are.
Learning to write is one of those crucial "musts", but it can also be, well, boring. Worksheets, essays, book reports...NOT the most exciting thing for kids. But writing to a friend about what you like and what you've been doing is a lot more interesting, especially when that letter means you'll get one in return!
Hence, pen pals!
Kay got her first pen pal when she was 4. They'd draw pictures to each other, share stickers, transcribe what they wanted us to write...it was adorable. But it was also teaching them that writing is important. (Ha, my hidden motive revealed!)
Kay got her first pen pal when she was 4. They'd draw pictures to each other, share stickers, transcribe what they wanted us to write...it was adorable. But it was also teaching them that writing is important. (Ha, my hidden motive revealed!)
So, why else are pen pals worthwhile?
- Reading practice. Reading a letter isn't like reading a book. A book is something teachers and parents tell you to read; a letter is all for the fun of it!
- Make a new friend. Friends are always a plus, even if they live in a different state, or even a different country, than you do!
- Geography. Look up on a map where your new friend lives. Are they very far away? It's a great introduction to different locations and how different areas live.
For kids who can't write yet, parents can transcribe the message or they can draw a picture!
Intrigued? I started a Facebook group for parents looking for snail mail pals for their children. (No names or addresses shared in the group, please!) I'd love for you to join us!
Some blogger friends and I are sharing pen pal ideas with the Pen Pal Blog Hop. The links will be on this page as they're posted, and you can also follow along with our Fun Pen Pal Ideas Pinterest board!