Making Connections Through Writing Letters

During remote learning, I wanted to try activities with my students where they’d feel an individual connection. This would take some of the “distance” out of distance learning and increase engagement with our lessons. I also wanted to give them purpose in their writing. That’s when I thought of having my students write letters to authors.

"Letter writing has been an important part of my life, so I wanted to share this activity with my students."

The idea of asking them to write (and potentially receive) a traveling letter excited me. My wish was that they would feel not only the enjoyment of putting their thoughts into a letter, but that they’d also feel the hope and anticipation in waiting to receive one in return. As we worked through this project, I wove in lessons of kindness and courage. 

Letter writing has been an important part of my life, so I wanted to share this activity with my students. After my grandmother passed away, I found the letters I wrote to her during my childhood boxed away in a drawer. My youthful perspective of everyday happenings was captured in these notes. I grew up with six siblings, and I told my grandmother EVERYTHING – all of the stories about my bothersome siblings and fun with friends. 

In grade school and middle school, I kept diaries. These diaries are some of my most important teacher treasures as I help students deal with their problems through relatable stories from my childhood diaries.

Looking back, I realize that writing was an outlet for me to unwind and process my feelings. It helped me to think more critically about myself and my interactions with my family and friends, which is why I want to share the experience of letter writing with my students. Choosing to write letters to the authors of the books we read is a way to provide an authentic letter writing experience.

"Adding the human touch to your lessons makes it easier for students to form not just a class, but a community of learners."

The problem with this idea was that I didn’t know any authors. I wondered how I, a teacher at a small school, would find someone willing to not only read letters from my students, but to write back? I was determined to make it happen. Within days, I found three authors who were willing to engage with my class! 

In the end, my class was able to exchange letters with Anne Grall Reichel, the author of The United Forest of Kind. Anne is a local author and graciously gave each child a signed book! Then, Kiana Sosa, author of the book Ellie and Lou, kindly exchanged letters with my students too! Finally, right in my own school, I discovered our kindergarten teacher, George Vlasis was the author of the children’s book, Helmet Man and the Chocolate Cake. If you’d like to try this project with your class, here are some tips for getting started.

• Talk about your project with everyone you know! Everyone in my circle knew I was looking for authors to write letters with my class. 
• There are many self-published authors who may be willing to share the letter-writing adventure.
• Call your local library and ask about local authors. My librarian gave me this excellent resource to find authors by state: https://illinois-scbwi.org/
• Your school librarian may have author contacts or helpful ideas.
• Spread the word on social media! Post your request on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
• Reach out to authors directly – through their websites or on social media. I engaged with the authors who ended up writing letters with us by sending direct messages. 

Everyone benefits from letter writing: the students, the authors, and the thankful parents. Just today I received another email message from a family who shared with me how thankful they are that their student had this positive experience. If you’re curious, I suggest you take a risk and reach out to an author. Just as I found willing authors to participate, I am sure you will too!

Adding the human touch to your lessons makes it easier for students to form not just a class, but a community of learners. Add the human touch to distance learning by starting your letter writing exchange today! 

WANT TO TRY LETTER WRITING WITH YOUR STUDENTS?
Jennifer created an SEL lesson embedded in a letter writing activity that you can try! Start by grabbing your copy of After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat and then get the free lesson plan.

Download PDF

Don’t have a Titlewave account? You can sign up for one now. It’s free! You’ll get this lesson, plus you’ll have access to thousands of other discussion guides at no cost. Titlewave also offers reading levels, professional reviews, hundreds of book lists created by educators and Follett Tags that give you insight into great titles.

Then enter for your chance to win a Zoom visit with an author through the Write to Connect Program. Twice a year, Follett hosts a giveaway where you can win a book, write letters to and receive responses from an author, and one lucky class will even win a live Zoom visit! Be sure to bookmark this page.

JENNIFER PARISI
Grade 3 Teacher
Hough Street Elementary
Barrington, IL

I am a third grade teacher. I find joy in sharing the positive message of kindness and guiding children toward positive decision-making. In my free time, I am drawn to my sketchbook where I plan new content to produce, whether it be a new puppet, SEL videos or lesson plans. I also dream of publishing a children’s book! I am grateful for all of my life experiences that led me to where I am today!

Connect with me via email, or on X (formerly Twitter).