10 Creative Ways for a Pen Pal to Overcome Writer's Block

Having a pen pal is a classic summer tradition. Not only does it help children avoid the "summer slide," but the excitement of receiving personalized letters never dulls. Writing those letters, however, can often be a struggle, so we've rounded up 10 creative letter starters to break through the writer's block.

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1. INTRODUCTION ~ Start simply. If you don't know anything about your pen pal, consider writing a list of your favorite things:
   • Foods
   • Animals
   • Colors
   • Media (books, tv shows, movies, magazines)
   • Summer fun (vacation spots, activities)
     
     
2. HOMETOWN HOT SPOTS ~ If your pen pal is unfamiliar with your hometown, this is a great opportunity to teach him/her a thing or two.
   • "If we spent a day in my hometown..."
   • "My town is best known for..."
   • "Famous people who grew up in my town include..."
     
     
3. POSTCARD ~ Summer is often synonymous with vacations. Sending a postcard from your getaway destination is a fun way to switch things up.
   • Going out of town? Pick up a postcard and share the highlights of your travels.
   • Staying local? Purchase a postcard from a local convenience store and write about your travel dreams.
     
     
4. PICTURE ~ As the saying goes, "a picture is worth 1000 words" so ditch the words to let your artistic side show.
   • Illustrate your family, home, or favorite things (see idea #1).
   • Create a comic strip.
     
     
5. TRADITIONS ~ Every family has traditions. Think about what you do that is unique to your family.
   • What do holiday or birthday celebrations look like in your house?
   • "Every year my family likes to ...."
   • Dig into your family history. Do your ancestors share a common job industry? Do you share a name with another family member?
     
     
6. STEP BY STEP ~ Teach your pen pal how to do something. 
   • Consider sharing your favorite recipe.
   • Write up a step-by-step tutorial for a simple science experiment.
     
     
7. UNUSUAL PACKAGE ~ Envelopes aren't the only thing you can send by mail. While the USPS does have a list of prohibited items, there are a few unusual items that are perfectly acceptable to ship. Non-perishable foods are even fair game.
   • Want to send a potato? Mail A Spud will do it for you! 
   • Rather send some rocks? Send Some Rocks will ship them directly. 
   • Send a brick? Yep, you can do that too. Mail Bricks will even throw in some glitter.
     
     
8. ENCRYPTION ~ Add a little extra excitement to your letters by adding a simple twist:
   • Write your note backward so that your pen pal has to use a mirror to read it.
   • Use invisible ink to write a secret letter. Be sure to let your pen pal know how to reveal the text.
   • Include a cipher with a note that's short and sweet.
     
     
9. ORIGAMI ~ Show off your crafting skills by including a handcrafted origami sculpture.
   • Easy Peasy and Fun has a list of 20+ cute and easy origami ideas for kids.
     
     
10. ASPIRATIONS ~ Dream big & share them with the world.
    • What are your dreams, goals, or aspirations for the coming year?

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