“…don’t you like to write letters? I do because it’s such a swell way to keep from working and yet feel you’ve done something.”  ~Ernest Hemingway

In this month’s issue of Family Fun magazine is a letter from a woman who prompted her son’s interest in writing by encouraging him to write to his favorite baseball players, some of whom rewarded him with an autograph and/or photo.  Why didn’t I think of this? Letter writing can be, as Hemingway so wisely pointed out, a way to get some writing done without feeling the stresses and strains of writing. Letter writing can feel like less work–especially to a kid.

On my son’s daily to-do list last week, I included a request: “List all of your favorite baseball players.” He came up with nine…all members of the Cleveland Indians. I shared the idea–why don’t you write to each player and tell them that you are a fan, then maybe they will write you back?

He was reluctant, but eventually started to the task. I looked up the ballclub’s fan mail address and instructions. He set to writing his all-time favorite player, Centerfielder Grady Sizemore. He addressed his envelope, and started immediately on a letter to Victor Martinez.  At first, his plan was to simply write the same letter to all the players. I pointed out that he should tailor the letter to each player, “Aren’t they each worthy of hearing WHY you like them?”  He agreed, and began the task of finding something unique to say to each player.  Together, we’ve proofed the letters, stamped them, and  mailed them. Though he hasn’t earned any replies yet, he has practiced some important writing skills.

The exercise has served a few purposes.

  • It is a lesson in using writing as a means to an end rather than as an end in itself, which is usually the aim of writing in school. In class, too often we write to create a product that is submitted for a grade. Any sort of fan- mail writing teaches our children that they can express themselves, connect with something or someone that they emulate or admire, and possibly elicit a response. The letter writer in Family Fun magazine that I mention above said that her son received some perks from the players…making the effort worthwhile.
  • It is a writing exercise that doesn’t feel like writing, yet it teaches some basic writing skills. For instance, letter writing follows a pattern–the same pattern as essay writing. There is an introduction, a discussion or main body, and a conclusion that tells the audience what you want them to do. Practicing this basic structure now can help young people understand how to use ANY sort of writing to communicate.  Further, my son got some practice in addressing an envelope and formatting a letter.
  • It is a lesson in considering the AUDIENCE. My son wanted to write a form letter to his favorite players. This was an easy way out. I was able to convince him that persaonlizing a letter to the audience is more likely to get him what he wants–the attention of the recipient.

This exercise certainly isn’t limited to baseball fans. Encourage your kids to write to any sports or entertainment celebrity, and even their favorite authors. My son wrote a fan letter to a publisher last week to express his love of the American Chillers books. 

To write to favorite athletes, look up the fan-mail address at the team’s website.

To write to favorite authors, look for the writer’s official website. If they don’t have one, contact them through their publisher. Make sure that you address the envelope to the author c/o the publisher.

To write to celebs, look for their official webpage for instructions.

To write to politicians, look for the WhiteHouse address at www.whitehouse.gov, and Congressional Reps at the USHOUSE of Representatives, and Senators at www.Senate.gov.