Our pen pals in Michigan loved our valentines, and they wrote back. That’s what pen pals do.
They’re the MAC PACK. How cool is that?
Dear friends in the Aqua Room,
Thank you for our Valentines. We are so happy to be your Pen Pals!
Love,
The MAC PAC
What is it about pen pals? If you ever had a pen pal, you know; the thrill of getting a letter from someone you’ve never met, and then writing back, is a communication that emailing can’t begin to match. It’s bonding. Pen to paper is emotional. Your heart comes out of that pen. When the reader holds your letter and reads the words, it’s a cresting ocean wave, in the same way.
Yes, wow!
For young children, there’s more. Writing letters and communicating with other children is huge in developing social and emotional skills. In today’s world, giving children a strong sense of self and also of others, is #1 in growing kindness and goodness and giving.
And that can all happen with a pen pal.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I loved having a pen pal when I was in school, good stuff Jennie.
Thanks, FR. I wish it was more of a ‘thing’ today.
A win-win for all of us!
Yes, indeed! Thanks, Beth. 😍
Fond memories of my childhood pen pals in other countries. The air mail letters arriving, the unusual stamps, and struggling to translate the expected poor English. But nothing beat the thrill of those letters arriving just for me!
Best wishes, Pete.
You describe it perfectly, Pete. And yes, what a thrill! Best to you.
Pen-pals are just great! Bring ’em on.
Yes they are, Joy. Hear, hear!
I agree. I still love getting a card or letter in the mail, so much better than an email. I love that you are still doing this with your kids, Jennie.
Thanks so much, Carla. It’s the best!
I agree, pen pals are wonderful. I had one from Australia and we corresponded for a number of years. Oh, the excitement every time a letter arrived.
How wonderful that you had a pen pal from Australia. The whole premise of handwriting letters and connecting with other children around the world is really important. And yes, the excitement when a letter arrives!
I remember having a pen pal when I was a kid. One of my teachers encouraged it. What a wonderful activity for children.
You had a great teacher. The fact that you remember says it all. Yes, it’s such a wonderful activity for children. Many thanks!
Faith and love . Give and receive . So happy for the children.
Well said! I’m happy for the children, too. 😀
Had my share of pen pals as a youngster, and it is great to see that still being encouraged today, Jennie!
It’s such a good thing in so many ways. It’s not popular today, because of emailing and texting, yet I will keep this alive. Promise!
How exciting. Thanks for sharing, Jennie.
It really is exciting! Thank you, John.
😁
The power of love!!
Yes!
Teaching children the importance of communication crosses boundaries that should never have existed in the first place. It makes us one.
You hit the nail on the head, Pam, and said it beautifully.
Thank you.
You are welcome.
Aw how lovely!
We’ve received ours, and will be opening them with our new to penpal children!
Hooray!
Always such a pleasure to the world of the children. Oh pen pals was such a treat.
Yes, indeed!
Way to go, Beth and Jennie! I remember Ritu is in on this deal, too. For many, I’m sure it’s the first time they’ve ever received something in the mail. I still occasionally get a letter from one of my old students. (Yes, I still get excited.) You never know, but this might be the start of a beautiful friendship for someone.
You should have seen their wide eyes when I yelled (yes I yelled), “We got mail!”
I opened the big envelope, read the letter, and then slowly went through every card. I know you understand how important and special it is. I feel the same way when I get mail. Ritu just got hers, it takes mail forever to cross the ocean.
How fun for the kids! And they learn to say thank you (something so many of my relatives forget to do–thank us for gifts!
Yes, it was really fun for the kids! You are so right about kids learning to say thank you. It makes a difference. Thanks, Jacqui.
How gorgeously affirming and inspirational for young writers.
Thank you, Norah. 💕
You are welcome, Jennie. 💖
How exciting to receive these lovely valentines from their pen pals!
It was! Thank you, Deborah!
Good times and great lessons!
Yes, indeed! Thank you, Dan.
Pen pals are lovely, Jennie. I used to write to a few friends during my childhood.
They are, Robbie. I’m glad you had pen pals, too. Today they are needed more than ever, because technology has nearly eliminated that handwritten personal touch. For children, pen pals build ‘real’ communicating with other children in the world. That’s a foundation for developing social and emotional skills, and much more.
💚
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Thank you, Michael!
Isn’t it impressive how wonderful this vintage way of communication is? There is also no scam, and these hearts you can pin on the wall. 😉 xx Michael
I think about this all the time. In my heart, I know this is just what children need, for many reasons. You said it well, Michael. Thank you.
what a wonderful idea! I am glad the children got so excited!
Thanks, Jim. It was terrific!