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Write a Letter and Make Someone's Day Better

  • Created by: Logan West Kids @ LCCL

Life is bearable when you have someone to write, and someone who writes you back. Even if it's just one person.

Eunjin Jang

In our digital age with instant messaging, rapid replies and pop-up notifications the art of writing a letter can seem old fashioned. Letter writing is a simple exercise that promotes community connections while improving English writing skills.

Principals of letter writing

  1. Start with a recipient - who are you sending the letter to?
  2. Choose the style of your letter; is it a thank you, welcome, descriptive, funny story or friendship letter?
  3. Think about what you want to write.
  4. Start writing. Don't forget to ask some questions so that you get a reply letter!
  5. End with a parting - goodbye or write back soon.
  6. Grab an envelope, and a stamp. Ask a parent or guardian to help you find the correct address for postage.

Basic letter writing format

  1. Salutation / greeting.
  2. Introduce yourself, if needed.
  3. Fill the bulk of your letter with information, questions, discussion or stories.
  4. Don't forget to ask how the letter recipient is doing / feeling.
  5. End with a parting such as best wishes, with love or write back soon.

Five ideas for letter writing

Always check with a parent or guardian before sending any letters to people you don't know.

Write to a family member

This can be as simple as writing a short thank you to Mum or Dad, a funny story to your sister or a postcard to your brother.
If you want to challenge yourself why not write a letter to a relative you don't see often. Tell them about your week or what you plan to do on the weekend.

Write to a neighbour

Make a new friend or reconnect with an old one by writing a letter to a neighbour down the street or right next door.
You could tell them about your pets, or the birds that sing in your garden or what you can smell cooking in the kitchen.

Write to a teacher

Make your teacher smile with a thank you or a letter about things you missed, or didn't miss, about school. Don't forget to ask them what they missed about school.
You could even write to your sports coach or a music tutor. Tell them about a book you have read, a new recipe you have tried or a game you have enjoyed playing.

Write to a newspaper or magazine

Have something to say that other people might want to hear about?
Why not write a letter to your school newsletter, local newspaper?
You could review a new toy, game, food or pet. You could even write about a topic that you are passionate about such as sport, the environment or health.

Write to a politician

Feeling socially conscious or politically motivated? Do you have something that needs fixing in your street, or local park?
Why not write a letter to your local council member telling them what you love about the area in which you live.
Suggest something that could make it better, such as new park equipment.

Get Some Inspiration from Logan City Council Libraries

More Online Inspiration

Dear Australia - Australia Post

Australia Post has "created a national letterbox where, from now until 18 August, you can write a letter to share your experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. We're working with the National Archives of Australia, where eligible Dear Australia letters will be kept for future generations."

Library Pen Pal Programs - United States of America

"With communities across the country [USA] social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19, many people of all ages are struggling to stay connected. With that in mind, several libraries have created pen pal programs to encourage local residents to get in touch."