Pen Pal Letter Exchange

Paper or stationery

Pen or pencil

Envelope and stamp

Extra items: stickers, drawings, photos

Choose a pen pal: cousin, friend, or distant family member.

Write the first letter: greeting, 2-3 paragraphs, questions, closing.

Teach format: date, "Dear ___," body, closing, signature.

Include something extra: drawing, sticker, joke, photo.

Address and mail the envelope.

Check the mail eagerly for a response.

Read the response together and discuss.

Write back within a week.

Pen pal letters combine every writing skill: proper format, organized paragraphs, engaging content, questions for the reader, and real audience awareness. All of this happens naturally because your child genuinely wants to communicate.

In an age of instant messaging, physical letters feel special. The anticipation of waiting for a response, the excitement of seeing an envelope with your name — these experiences create emotional connections to writing.

The "include something extra" element encourages creativity and thoughtfulness beyond just words.

If you can't find a pen pal, many organizations match children safely. Some teachers also coordinate class pen pal programs.

Keep copies or photos of outgoing letters. The exchange becomes a wonderful chronicle of your child's year.