Pen Pals 4 Change
For teachers · parents · curious people

How a letter day
actually goes.

What happens from the first classroom visit to the last letter. The short version.

Teacher with kids during classroom letter lesson
1
1

We come to your classroom

We come in, walk through the parts of a letter, and the kids write their first one. Takes about 45 minutes. Pencils recommended.

2
2

Kids meet their pen pal

Every kid gets matched with someone at the other school. Same grade, one thing in common. Then they introduce themselves.

Two kids reading a letter together
Kid writing a letter at their desk
3
3

They write the first one

On paper, in their own handwriting. Decorating the envelope is basically a requirement at this point.

4
4

We deliver the mail

We pick up the letters and bring them to the other school by hand. Every other Friday, rain or shine.

Letters and envelopes on a desk
Kid holding a decorated envelope
5
5

And it keeps going

Some kids write three pages. Some just draw. Both are good. The letters keep coming as long as the kids keep writing.

What you'll need.

We bring

  • 1 to 2 people from our team
  • Stationery, envelopes, stickers
  • The matching list and a sample letter
  • About 45 minutes of lesson time
  • The delivery, every two weeks

You bring

  • A class of kids, any elementary grade
  • Pencils and crayons they already love
  • A teacher willing to host 45 minutes
  • A safe spot to keep the letter folder
  • Optional: a class mailbox

Common questions.

How long does the program run?

A full school year. We start new groups in fall. Single semester works too if that's easier.

Is there a cost?

No. Materials and time are donated. Stamps and stickers are always welcome though.

Do parents need to be involved?

Not at all. But we love it when they want to. Letter day works best as a classroom thing.

What grades do you work with?

Mostly 2nd through 5th. Kindergartners and 1st graders can do shorter notes with a teacher helping out.

Where do you operate?

Milwaukee area for now. Email us if you're somewhere else and want to start something similar.

Ready to bring it to your class?

Sign your class up