Letters & Postcards Program

Preparation

Step 1: Gather books that have letter writing as a theme or format, such as Ezra Jack Keats’ Letter to Amy, Stringbean’s Trip to the Shining Sea by Vera B. Williams, and Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.

Step 2: Cut pieces of 8½” by 11″ heavy stock into rectangles for postcards. They can be all sizes. If you like, draw imaginary postage stamps and a vertical line to separate the address area from the writing space. If you have a die-cutting machine, you can produce folded stationery (or just use plain paper).

Step 3: Create your own letter and postcard.

Step 4: Reproduce your examples.

Step 5: Check Writing Box supplies. This is a good project for bringing out the rubber stamps. Hint: You don’t need stamp pads. Just ink the rubber stamp with a thick marker.

The Workshop

Step 1: Display mentor texts and different kinds of postcards and letters. Explain why we send them, and ask the kids if they have received or sent any letters or cards.

Step 2: Read your postcard and letter aloud and describe their different components: date, salutation, return address, etc.

Step 3: Give the writers markers, crayons, and paper, and rubber stamps if you have them. Help with words or offer suggestions when writers seem stuck for ideas.

Step 4: Give a five-minute warning for cleanup. Remind the children of when the Writing Boxes will be available to use in the library. Clean up the area and put away supplies.

Step 5: Take a few minutes to share the work.