With all the technology these days not many people pick up a pen or pencil and paper and write a letter to someone. Email and text message seem to make conversations more "instant" than the old snail mail method. But there is something about putting a pen to paper that gives letter writing a little bit more meaning and emotion. September 1st is World Letter Writing Day where people, young and old sit down and write someone a letter! It can be to anyone...a friend, cousin, grandparents, aunts/uncles, neighbor or even someone you don't even know, pen-pals!
~ A little bit of the background on World Letter Writing Day ~
The founder of World Letter Writing Day is a man named Richard Simpkin. This day all started with a project he called, Australian Legend. His goal for this project was to meet and interview those who were considered Australian Legends. And how do you think he went about contacting each Legend? He simply wrote them a letter. By the time his book Australian Legends was published and released in 2005 he interviewed 80 Australian Legends! Very impressive! Click here if you would like to know more about the history of World Letter Writing Day.
This is an awesome activity to do with your kiddos at any age! You can even have the little ones draw a picture if they are still learning to write. This activity can be as short or as long as you and your kids want. You can make it as simple or as creative as you want. Brainstorm with your kids on who they would like to write to. It can be anyone! The World Letter Writing Day website has a program that can link pen pals as well.
You can use simple lined paper out of a notebook or search the web for some free printable stationary. Family Shopping Bag has some really cute and FREE designs that can be printed. Then you can use pencil, pen, crayon, marker...whatever your kids want to write with.
Now the question, what do I write about? Well the answer is ANYTHING! Here are some ideas:
- An adventure they had outside. Maybe while on a walk or at the beach.
- Their plans for the weekend.
-Something that they are excited about that's going to happen soon.
-What they want for Christmas or who they are going to dress up as for Halloween.
-Who/what they want to be when they grow up.
-A funny story about their sister or brother.
-Tell a few jokes. Everyone loves a good laugh!
This is supposed to be a fun activity that the kids can be creative while connecting with a friend, family member or pen-pal, so don't worry about grammar or misspelling words. Just have fun with it! They can even decorate the envelope! (Just make sure not to cover the address ) Then stick on a stamp and take a trip to the post office or maybe a short walk to your mail box and send it off!
I hope you enjoy this wacky holiday and fun (almost free) activity! I would love to hear how your day writing letters went, send me an email at michelleconway@macaronikid.com.
