Tip #170 from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents: Pen Pals
Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #170 Pen Pals (Letter Writing) “The proper definition of a man is an animal that writes letters.” ― Lewis Carroll A terrific way to practice writing for real and meaningful reasons is to have a pen pal or someone with whom your child can write and receive letters or e-mails in return. Perhaps you know of a friend of hers that has moved away, a cousin in another state, a grandparent who may enjoy a correspondence. Anyone willing will do. A person out of state works well because you can encourage your child to ask questions about the life and land where her pen pal is and she can compare and contrast it to where she lives. Regardless, help her to think of a variety of questions to write each time so that the recipient will automatically have a lot to write by answering her questions. Help her learn to set up a letter (gr...