Write a letter
Write a friendly handwritten letter to a family member or pen pal. Practice organizing ideas, using greetings, dates, clear sentences, and a polite closing.
Step-by-step guide to write a friendly handwritten letter to a family member or pen pal
How to Write a Friendly Letter
Step 1
Pick a family member or pen pal you want to write to.
Step 2
Think of three fun things you can tell them and write each idea as a short bullet point.
Step 3
Write today's date in the top-right corner of your paper.
Step 4
Write a friendly greeting at the top like "Dear Grandma," or "Hi Alex!"
Step 5
Write one opening sentence that says why you are writing the letter.
Step 6
Write three clear sentences that use the three ideas you brainstormed.
Step 7
Write one polite closing sentence such as "I hope to see you soon" or "Take care."
Step 8
Sign your name neatly at the bottom of the letter.
Step 9
Decorate the edges or corners of your letter with colouring materials or stickers.
Step 10
Fold the letter neatly into a size that fits the envelope.
Step 11
Put the folded letter into the envelope.
Step 12
Seal the envelope closed.
Step 13
Write the recipient's name and address on the front of the envelope.
Step 14
Put a postage stamp in the top-right corner of the envelope.
Step 15
Share a photo or scan of your finished letter on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have an envelope or postage stamps?
If you don't have an envelope or a postage stamp, fold the paper into a self-enclosed packet sealed with tape or a sticker and either hand-deliver it or take a photo/scan to upload to DIY.org instead of mailing.
My handwriting is messy and the folded letter won't fit the envelope — what should I do?
If your handwriting is messy, write the three bullet-point ideas and sentences in pencil first and trace in pen for a neater look, and if the folded letter won't fit the envelope, refold along a clean edge or choose a larger envelope before sealing.
How can I adapt this letter activity for younger or older children?
For young children have an adult write the greeting, opening sentence, and signature while the child dictates and decorates the edges, and for older kids ask for more descriptive three sentences, a P.S., or include a scan/photo to post on DIY.org.
How can we make the letter more special or creative?
Personalize your letter by decorating the edges with stickers or colored borders, adding a small drawing or pressed flower inside before folding, and writing the recipient's name in decorative lettering on the envelope before placing the postage stamp and sharing a photo on DIY.org.
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Facts about letter writing and handwriting skills
✉️ Before phones and email, people regularly waited weeks or months for letter replies—letter-writing was how news and feelings traveled long distances.
📚 Epistolary novels like Dracula and The Color Purple tell stories through letters and show how powerful personal notes can be.
🌍 Mail has been carried by horses, ships, trains, and airplanes—every letter goes on a little journey before it reaches someone special.
💌 Postcrossing is a global project that has helped millions of people exchange postcards and connect pen pals across 200+ countries.
🖊️ Writing by hand helps your brain remember ideas better than typing, so handwritten letters can make your thoughts stick.
How do I write a friendly handwritten letter with my child?
What materials do I need to write a friendly handwritten letter?
What ages is writing a friendly handwritten letter suitable for?
What are the benefits of having a child write handwritten letters?
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