Learning to write a friendly letter might feel like a bit of a lost art these days, when most folks rely on email, text, or messaging apps to communicate. But handwritten notes still have value, and it’s worth taking the time to teach kids how to write one. This free letter-writing paper makes the process a simple one!
How To Use Letter-Writing Paper With Your Students
Looking for creative ways to give your students practice writing letters? Try these ideas:
- Partner students up and ask them to write letters to each other. After they exchange and read them, have them write responses too.
- Exchange letters with students from another class or grade. Set up a “mailbox” where kids can drop letters, and create a “mail carrier” classroom job to deliver the letters each day.
- Arrange a pen pal program with students from another school. Tip: Join the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook to find partner teachers from other cities, states, or even countries!
- Have students write letters home to their parents or guardians about an upcoming school event instead of just sending a flyer home.
- Write thank-you notes to school support staff like custodians, administrative assistants, bus drivers, and others.
- Let students choose their favorite author or illustrator and write a note to share how much they love that person’s work.
- Choose a favorite athlete, musician, or actor and write fan mail letters.
- Have students write a letter to a character from a book they’re currently reading in class.
- At the end of the school year, ask students to write a letter introducing themselves to the teacher they’ll have next year.
- Have students compose letters to themselves—five years in the future!
Letter Writing Paper FAQs
What’s the correct format for a friendly letter?
Friendly letters include the date, a greeting (often using the person’s first name), the body (the main message), a closing, and a signature. In handwritten letters, the greeting is aligned with the left margin, while the signature is usually aligned with the right margin. The body of the letter is written in indented paragraph form, using casual language that reflects the writer’s personality. In the past, friendly letters were often handwritten in cursive, though not all students learn that form of handwriting today!
What’s the difference between a friendly letter and a business letter?
A business letter contains some of the same elements as a friendly letter but is more structured and formal. Include the sender’s address, the date, and the recipient’s address. These are usually justified along the left margin, with a blank line between each. The greeting may use the person’s title or full name and is also aligned with the left margin.
Do not indent the body paragraphs in a business letter. Instead, leave two blank lines between each paragraph. Left-justify the closing, then leave four spaces for the signature. Finish with your full name, and sign the letter in the space between the closing and your name.
Why should kids learn how to handwrite a friendly letter?
When students handwrite a letter, they’re required to slow down and think more carefully about their choice of words first. This helps them craft clearer communications that reflect their own personality and style. Even in today’s world, a handwritten message feels more personal and meaningful, making them a valuable way to strengthen relationships at school, at home, and in the workplace.
For which grades is the letter-writing paper best suited?
This letter-writing paper is best for elementary-age students who need a little extra support using the proper format for a letter. It helps them remember to include the date, as well as a greeting and a closing. (The latter two will be important as they get older and need to send professional communications like emails.) This letter-writing template also encourages students to practice their handwriting skills, so they can communicate clearly with others.
What other types of letters should students learn to write?
In addition to friendly letters and business letters, today’s middle and high school students benefit from learning to write professional emails. They should practice using complete sentences that clearly state their thoughts, and spelling out words completely rather than abbreviating with “text speak.” Teach them acceptable greetings and closings and how to craft a professional signature file.
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