Writing letters is almost becoming an activity of the past. However, writing letters has many benefits for children, and what better way to get your kids to write letters than on December 7, National Letter Writing Day?
Writing letters is a way to almost trick children into practicing general writing skills- complete sentences, beginning middle, and end of a 'story', punctuation, handwriting, opening and closing statements, date writing, addresses, complete ideas, and more. If you can get someone to write back to your child, it makes it even more motivating to keep writing letters. I know mail as an adult is just, UGH, but think about how exciting it was when you received mail as a kid! You could also consider using these skills when showing kids how to write an email, just like the students in my class do every Friday when they write an email home to their parents/guardians about what they learned in school, a reflection of their week, and a goal for the coming week.
Here are some ideas to celebrate National Letter Writing Day in your home.
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Holiday Letters to Spread Cheer and Kindness
Writing a letter is a great way to let people know we love and appreciate them. We are so great at reminding our kids that the holiday season is about love, kindness, and giving. Use this day to emphasize this point!
Write a letter or draw a picture and give it to
- mail carrier
- package delivery (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc.)
- bus driver
- teacher
- noontime aide/ lunch staff
- residents at a local nursing home
- active service members through Operation Gratitude (see https://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/anywhere/letters/ for more information)
- veterans
- firefighters
- police
- ambulance drivers/EMT
- teachers
- a neighbor
- a coach
- brainstorm people who might not ever receive these sorts of things and give it to them!
Letters to Santa
Celebrate National Letter Writing Day by writing your annual letter to Santa! I recommend reading the book Santa Post by Emma Yarlett. It's a cute story about a letter that almost gets lost on its way to Santa and will get your kids in the mood to write.
I created this free template for you that follows the same format as the weekly email I have students write to reflect and set a goal.
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There are many ways to get your letter into Santa's hands. Here are two of my favorites:
- You can drop it in the mailbox and the USPS will deliver it. Use the address:
Santa
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888
Read more about this by visiting www.uspsoperationsanta.com
- Drop it off at the Upper St. Clair residence of Sir William Elf at 363 Parkway Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15228 where a local teacher and self-proclaimed Santa's helper will hand-write a response and mail it to your home if you include an envelope with your address and a stamp. Letters must be in the mailbox at this address by 12/20 to get a response. Use the drop-off for a really cute photo opportunity!
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Holiday Greetings to Relatives or Friends
Sending holiday greetings and cards is a common practice among family and friends. On National Letter Writing Day, ask your child to help you by folding, stuffing, addressing, and stamping those cards. Most kids enjoy helping and being part of these tasks. Even small children can attach a return address sticker or stamp. Maybe you could have young children draw a heart or star on the back of the card.
I hope you enjoy your National Letter Writing Day! Happy learning and happy holidays from your resident mom and 4th grade teacher.
