Why Your Child Needs A Pen Pal
Writing to a pen pal teaches children valuable skills and life lessons. Here are 5 direct benefits to your child.
Develops writing skills authentically
Writing a letter to a friend or relative is an easy and effective way to give authenticity to writing. It gives kids practice in organizing their thoughts on paper. Since they are writing to someone directly, they can easily picture their audience. This will make them strive to write clearly without much prompting from parents. They’ll want to send a letter filled with correct spelling and neat handwriting. It will be their best work.
All too often we make the mistake of asking our children to engage in writing tasks that seem like busywork. Writing sentences with weekly spelling words and writing book reports can have their place, but if children aren’t given more authentic writing experiences, writing will become a chore.
When writing has real purpose and meaning, like in writing a pen pal letter, it’s naturally motivating.
Teaches patience
Our children are growing up in a very fast-paced world. Everything is instant. When we have a question, we “Google it.” When we want to share a special moment, we send a photo on our iphone during the moment.
Corresponding through letter writing takes time. The United States Postal Service is remarkably fast, but for our children, it’s really slow! My daughter is always asking if the mail has come yet. And when she doesn’t get the letter she’s been anticipating, she is disappointed.
Waiting for snail mail develops patience.
Develops appreciation and understanding of others
Writing to someone who has a different life experience can develop empathy and understanding of others. Your kids can learn to see things from a perspective other than their own.
At the same time, writing to a pen pal can help your child see the commonalities they share with others. Although their pen pal is living in a different state or country and living a different lifestyle, the two will find things in common. Maybe they enjoy similar music or spending time outside.
Sparks an interest in social studies
When your child makes a personal connection to someone in another state or country, he’ll be more likely to show an interest in learning about that part of the world. It’s much more exciting for kids to correspond with real people who live in a different parts of the world than to read about those places in a book.
Pen pals bring culture, geography, and history to life.
Your child can ask their pen pals questions and receive first hand experience from an “expert.” What’s the climate like? What is school like? What are common traditions? Your child will be excited to discover all he can about his pen pal’s world.
Builds relationships & social skills
Pen pal writing brings people together.
My daughter has only seen her older cousin on three occasions. Physical distance is a barrier in their relationship, but that doesn’t mean there’s an emotional distance between them. They’re getting to know each other more intimately through their written correspondence.
Children build social skills when writing to pen pals. They learn how to share about their lives and to ask thoughtful questions. Being genuinely curious is a valuable lesson in making friends and building healthy relationships.
Pen pal relationships can last a lifetime.
You never know what the future holds for further experiences. Your child might one day get an opportunity to travel and meet her pen pal in person.
Final Thoughts
Your child needs a pen pal. He’ll develop writing skills authentically. There’s no need to force writing, because he’ll be motivated to write. He’ll learn patience, get interested in social studies, and develop an appreciation for others who may be different. And with every letter he writes, he’ll build social skills.
With so many benefits, it’s time to start looking for a pen pal for your child.
In the next post in this pen pal series, we’ll talk about how to make a letter writing kit and the basics of writing a friendly letter.
Your Turn
Did you have a pen pal growing up? Does your child have one? Share your comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
