Pen Pal Journals: A Fun Way to Boost Writing and Reading Skills
Hey there! Ever thought about turning your small group journals into something super fun and meaningful? Let me introduce you to Pen Pal Journals! It’s a little idea that packs a big punch when it comes to encouraging writing, reading, and connecting with your students or kiddos.
What’s a Pen Pal Journal, You Ask?
It’s simple and so much fun! I ask my students if they’d like to be my Pen Pal, and when they eagerly say yes (because who wouldn’t want a Pen Pal, right?), their small group journal becomes a Pen Pal Journal. Writing back and forth is just like “texting” for them, but with a pencil and paper. They totally get it, and guess what? They absolutely love it!
Here’s How It Works:
- Put a Label on It: Grab a FREE Pen Pal coversheet here and stick it on the front of the journal.
- Kick Things Off: Write them a little note and pop a cute sticker on the cover.
- Desk Delivery: Leave the journal on their desk for them to discover.
- Sit Back and Wait: Let the magic happen as they write back to you.
- Keep It Going: Rinse and repeat—keep that conversation flowing!
And the best part? You get to see how much they grow in their writing over time. 📓 I even had a former student tell me she still reads through her old journals. Cue the happy tears! ❤️
Parents, This Is for You Too!
This isn’t just for the classroom—it’s perfect for parents at home, especially during the summer. It’s a sneaky way to keep your child’s writing skills sharp without it feeling like “work.” Plus, it’s a sweet way to stay connected. It’s easy to add to Summer Points too!
Want the FREE journal cover sheet? Go here to Teachers Pay Teachers.
Teacher Tip:
I use clear packing tape to attach the cover to the journal, and if you’re on the hunt for the perfect composition books with those awesome handwriting lines. At home, we’re all about writing after dinner—just one sentence about our day. No pressure on spelling, but everyone tries their best.
This little routine not only keeps us all writing, but it also gives us, the parents, a chance to model good writing habits. Think out loud as you write, show them how to space their words, use capital letters—the whole shebang.
So, grab your FREE Pen Pal Journal cover sheet, and start making those meaningful connections through writing today! Happy journaling!
I love this. My daughter likes to write, and her kindergarten teacher suggested she do a summer journal this summer to keep practicing writing for first grade. She hasn’t been interested in writing in it, even with me writing a journal entry too. Maybe if we all did one sentence…I’ll have to give it a shot.
Instead I’ve been using her “journal” to write notes to her to leave for her, and to have her write back to me. For some reason, she’s more excited about this than “journaling.”
This is a great idea Michie! I love that she’s excited about writing to you and responding to your questions. Too sweet!