Calling on Kids to Write Early...Write Often

Children who write letters by hand get at least 10 fabulous benefits.

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“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” ~ Anne Frank

Anne Frank was a teenaged Jewish girl in Amsterdam who kept a diary between 1942 and 1944 before she was captured and sent to a concentration camp where she and her sister died before the war was over. Anne’s diary has become a classic because of its tragic backstory and the youth of its author.

To me, it is an inspiring call to encourage children to start writing early—not only stories but also letters. Research shows there are impressive benefits that will serve them all their lives. More on that below.

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Dearist: A company that “gets it”

Thanks to my subscriber Ann Elise Davison. I recently met a young woman named Jennifer Yang in Georgia who has developed and launched DEARIST, a company whose mission “is to help young people discover their voices and foster meaningful connection,” starting with writing letters.

I was thrilled to dig into the Dearist website and realize that Jenn has produced not only a delightful boxed kit of booklets for children that make up a “Guide to Writing Letters,” but she has also partnered with teachers to get letter-writing into elementary classrooms.

Jennifer Yang, founder of Dearist

Here are excerpts from Jenn’s story:

The first classrooms to pilot the program were at an elementary school in Atlanta…these kids took the program and ran with it. Seizing upon letter writing like a novelty, the students began sending letters to each other in a flurry. They decided to install mailboxes outside of their classrooms to facilitate the hither and yon, and they even designed [their own] stamps.

Jenn has brought this valuable teaching resource for writing letters into private and public classrooms all across the country.

Photo used with permission from Dearist websits

My own surprise package

I was excited to receive a Dearist box from Jenn in the mail. Oh my goodness, what a treasure trove of delightful information, kid-friendly text and graphics, easy instructions about how to write a letter, and lots of fun facts and trivia about letter writing, the postal service, and postage stamps! I loved it so much and learned new things too! It contained everything a child needs to start writing letters:

• Three-Part Book Series

• Stationery and Envelopes

• Assorted Postage Stamps

• Keepsake Box for storing letters

• Plenty of materials to write and mail three letters!

So what are those 10 benefits of letter-writing for children?

1. It builds connection and friendship

The Heartspoken Movement is all about the power of Connection, so this is my favorite benefit. “Dearist helps kids establish deeper connections with friends and family by providing the tools to hand-write personalized letters.” Writing to pen pals in other countries teaches about geography and foreign cultures.

2. It stimulates cognitive development (It’s good for the brain!):

Research shows a strong correlation between early handwriting and the development of reading skills (spelling, vocabulary and comprehension). Writing by hand strengthens neural pathways, stimulates imaginative thinking, and contributes to better memory.

3. It enhances fine motor skills

Writing strengthens finger and hand muscles that improve dexterity and coordination for daily skills such as tying shoelaces, buttoning shirts, and using utensils.

4. It encourages creativity and self-expression

Writing by hand allows for more free-flowing thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Children who practice handwriting tend to write more elaborate and creative stories.

5. It increases attention and focus

Since handwriting requires sustained attention, children can develop patience and concentration as they engage their minds in a deeper way.

6. It boosts confidence and independence

Learning to write legibly and fluently gives children a sense of accomplishment and helps them feel more capable in other areas of learning.

7. It supports emotional well-being

Writing by hand has been linked to handling moods and relieving stress. The processing of observations and feelings can lead to more emotional maturity.

8. It develops organizational and planning skills

Researchers find that writing longhand encourages children to structure their thoughts more carefully. As they progress through school, this helps with planning essays, writing stories, and organizing ideas.

9. It encourages thoughtfulness and gratitude

Ashley Cruz Campbell, founder of Coral & Blue Paper Co., designs charming children’s stationery. She chatted with me in late 2023 about the importance of teaching children to express gratitude. Her advice: “Talk about what they received and what they're grateful for. Get them excited to express gratitude.”

10. It inspires delight and surprise

“With letter writing, kids can experience both the delight as a sender and the surprise as a recipient.” ~ Jennifer Yang, Dearist

Let’s encourage our children to write!

These ten reasons are pretty compelling, and it’s best when children start early. Check out the Dearist products. And pop over to Coral & Blue Paper Company’s website too. You’re bound to find something for the young people in your life.

Coming up…

Next week will be short and fun as I share a few ways to add humor to some of your notes.

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A free gift…

My paid members received their first Monthly Action Plan last week. It’s designed to take about 15-30 minutes a week and build your note-writing skill over the year ahead. I’m offering you the first one free so you can see the kind of benefit paid members get every month.

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Have a great week, and always remember: whether written or spoken,
words from the heart will never fail you!