How to Make a Letter Writing Kit
A letter writing kit is a convenient way to organize materials, so when it comes to letter writing, no one is scrambling to find an envelope or a stamp.
Choose a container like a pencil box or a basket and fill it with all the supplies your children will need to write to their pen pals. Store it in a place where it’s easily accessible. Encourage your children to write a letter whenever they feel the urge.
What to include in a letter writing kit
- Stationary/Writing Paper
- Postcards
- Envelopes
- Quality pens and pencils
- Postage stamps
- Address book
Optional items
If your children like to design their own cards and stationary, here are additional items you may want to add.
- Blank cards & stationary
- Rubber stamps
- Ink pads
- Stickers
- Blank mailing labels (for dark colored envelopes)
Helpful guides to include
- Structure of a friendly letter printable
- List of greetings and closings
- Example of an addressed envelope
Teach your children how to use the letter writing kit
After you’ve made a letter writing kit, it’s time to show your children how to use it. Teach the basics of how to write a letter and how to address an envelope correctly. If you have young writers, you’ll need to be explicit in showing them how to use the materials in the letter writing kit. After that, they’ll be on their way to writing letters independently.
Teach how to structure a friendly letter
- Teach your child the 5 main parts of a friendly letter: heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature.
- Demonstrate how to structure a friendly letter by modeling writing a simple letter on lined paper while your child watches.
- If you have a letter you received from a friend, take it out and ask your child to find the five parts.
- List possible greetings & closings for reference.
- Here’s an example of a friendly letter you can use to teach the parts of a friendly letter.
- Add a copy of the letter to your child’s letter writing kit, or post it on bulletin board for reference. Get your free copy here.
Make an address book
When my daughter started writing pen pal letters, I made her an address book out of cardstock. I cut a few pieces of cardstock in half and then folded them together to make a little booklet. I punched two holes and added string to bind it together. (see the image of her letter writing basket above)
For each two-page spread, I glued a picture of her friend on one side and his/her address on the other. I printed the addresses so they were big, easy to read and set up in the correct format for an envelope.
Having an address book can be useful if your child is young or needs to keep many addresses organized.
Teach how to address envelope correctly
- Show your child an envelope you received in the mail and ask her what she notices is written on it. Then model how to address an envelope correctly.
- In the upper left hand corner, write the sender’s name and address. (This is a good time to help your child learn her address if she doesn’t know it already). Show her how to write her first and last name on the top line, street address on the second line, and city, state, and zip code on bottom line.
- Then find the center of the envelope, and write the recipient’s address. Explain that she will write her pen pal’s name and address using the same format as she wrote her own.
- Don’t forget to show her where to put the postage stamp.
Final Thoughts
Making a letter writing kit encourages independence, because everything your children need to write letters is in one place. And it’s handy for us adults too. I’ve found myself raiding the letter writing kit from time to time when I’ve needed to write someone a quick note.
Involve your kids in the process of putting together their own kits to make it more special for them. You can make a big deal of it by going shopping together. Let them choose their own stationary and note cards. Let them personalize their kit with a fun label.
Your Turn
Do you or your children have letter writing kits? What do you put in yours?
