Encouraging language learning among students? Bring back the long-forgotten practice of pen pal correspondence
In the digital age, where instant messaging and social media dominate communication, the humble handwritten letter seems to have been relegated to the sidelines. However, initiatives to revive this traditional form of correspondence as a teaching tool in schools are gaining traction, as educators recognise its potential to improve grammar, vocabulary, and emotional intelligence.
The idea of dedicating specific days for letter writing and encouraging students to write under guided supervision is being proposed in some educational circles. This notion, initially met with skepticism, has since been found to be quite clever and amusing. A student at Chavakali High School, for instance, took it upon himself to write a letter to himself and post it, experiencing the joy of receiving a letter.
Unfortunately, not everyone was so fortunate in receiving letters at Chavakali High School. A distressing incident occurred when a student was beaten by teachers for having a love letter. This underscores the need for teachers to mentor, not police, in the context of letter writing.
Educational systems are promoting systemic literacy and writing instruction, within which letter writing plays a meaningful role, particularly for emotional and social development. Initiatives like Heggerty's "Bridge to Writing" curriculum, which combines phonemic awareness with writing instruction, potentially encompassing letter writing activities, are being introduced.
There is also growing emphasis on evidence-based literacy instruction, such as Kentucky’s Read to Succeed Act, which supports teachers with professional learning, focusing on reading and writing skills development. While these programs do not explicitly highlight letter writing, systemic literacy improvements encourage varied writing tasks that likely include personal writing forms like letters to build vocabulary and grammar.
From an emotional intelligence and socio-emotional learning perspective, handwritten letters are recognised for their unique power to cultivate emotional expression and connection. Research highlights how letter writing allows students to slow down, reflect, and communicate feelings more thoughtfully than digital communication, potentially enhancing emotional intelligence.
The revival of letter writing in schools could also provide an economic opportunity for the Postal Corporation, which is currently struggling. The corporation could rebrand itself as an educational partner and create school-friendly letter-writing kits, provide stationery, and reward the best letters at the county and national levels. Partnering with the Ministry of Education would be crucial for the success of such an initiative.
Letter writing, with its power to leave a mark, not just on paper, but on the soul, could once again become a valued educational tool. It can slow down the process, forcing clarity and thought, making it a valuable educational tool. Fridays were special at Chavakali High School as students awaited the distribution of letters. Today, this rite of passage could be reinstated in schools across the country, helping to improve grammar, vocabulary, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence in students.
- In the revival of traditional letter writing as a teaching tool in schools, the Postal Corporation could find an economic opportunity, rebranding itself as an educational partner and offering school-friendly letter-writing kits, stationery, and awards for the best letters.
- The benefits of letter writing extend beyond academic development, serving as a powerful means to cultivate emotional expression and connection, allowing students to slow down, reflect, and communicate feelings more thoughtfully than digital communication, enhancing emotional intelligence.
- Educators are realizing the potential of letter writing in promoting systemic literacy and writing instruction, often combining it with curriculums that focus on phonemic awareness, such as Heggerty's "Bridge to Writing" curriculum.
- Despite some challenges, like the aforementioned incident at Chavakali High School, initiatives to encourage letter writing in schools have been gaining traction, with proponents arguing that teachers should act as mentors, fostering an environment that supports personal and emotional growth among students.
