10 Letter-Writing Tips
Get started writing a letter now with these 10 tips. Or download them and make copies to help your friends, family, teachers and co-workers get started!
Getting started can be the toughest part. Form a mental picture of the child and the things that you enjoy or appreciate about the child.
Make a list of adjectives that describe the child: funny, honest, smart, skillful, helpful, caring...
Begin with a favorite poem or a famous quote that has special meaning to you.
Remember fun times or special moments you and the child have shared. Refer to these events and tell the child what you enjoyed about that time.
Be specific and descriptive. Use humor. Try “Do you know what I like about you? I like it when you . . .”
You need not limit yourself to pen and paper. Send an encouraging E-mail, postcard, greeting card, or simply tell the child how you feel, over the phone or face-to-face.
Don’t worry about the length and feel free to write it by hand. A short note can be cherished as much as a formal letter.
Include things that you would like to hear in a letter that you might receive. Chances are, the incredible kid you're writing to feels the same!
Be optimistic and future-focused; emphasize positive self-esteem.
Write a letter right now!
Sample Sentences to Get You Started
I know that growing up today is sometimes really hard…
- When I was your age, sometimes I felt lonely and overwhelmed. Everyone does from time to time. I like to look ahead to good things, like making new friends, spending time with old friends or listening to music.
- You always make me smile.
- This letter is my way of letting you know that you are special and that someone is thinking about you.
- You are very special in your own way…
- I hope you discover what your own talents are and share them with the world.
- When I think about you, I think of... and feel...
- Did you know that the world is a better place just because you’re you?
- Spending time with you makes me so happy! I really enjoy when we...
- Has anyone ever told you that you can do anything you truly believe in? You can!
- You can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. The trick is believing in yourself enough to try…
Sample Letters
Need a little inspiration?! Read the letters below, written to real kids by people in their lives in celebration of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® in previous years.
Dear Kristen,
Today is absolutely incredible kids day. You are so very special to me, I am so proud of all of your accomplishments. Keep up the great work. You have a heart as big as Texas and I love it when you sprinkle your happy dust on your friends and family and even people you do not know.
Love Mommy
Jessica,
I am writing to you on Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. And since you are one of my Incredible Kids, you qualify!
I have been bragging about you here at work because of your being selected for the cheerleading team. I know it took a lot of hard work and courage to compete and practice. I will be a “proud papa” in the stands, watching you and your team next year.
I looked over your progress report last night and can see the improvement being made in algebra – keep up the studying and hard work and it will all come together in class.
Well, have a good day and I love you.
Dad
Dear Anthony,
Hello! March 17th is Incredible Kids Day. And do you know what? I think you are the most incredible, helpful, wonderful kid on the planet!! Whoever knew a ten-year old boy could do so much to help everyone he knows? Whoever knew a ten-year old boy could be so smart? I don’t know, but it’s all in your, my cool little brother! Always helping Kuya when he can’t write out or read his homework, or helping me separate the clothes for the laundry. Also, thanks for always getting the cordless phone when we were all too lazy! Anthony, you were always listening whenever I would tell a story, even though everyone had already stopped listening!! Anthony, you are so funny when you copy The Simpsons! And you’ve come to be such an awesome dancer! You’re even better than me sometimes! WOW! You are so cool! Basically, I’m giving this to you to tell you how special you are: to me, to your Kuya, to family. We love you.
Love,
Ata
Note: “Kuya” means older brother and “Ate” means older sister in Tagalog, the native language of the Philippines.
Dear Grandpa,
We received a memo at work about Camp Fire’s Incredible Kid Day, where they encourage you to write letters to kids to let them know how special they are!
Well, I can’t think of a bigger or more special kid than you! You’ve been my buddy and friend and “silly old Grandpa” for over 42 years now and I consider myself a very lucky person. I’m so thankful that my Grandma is such a smart woman and married such a caring, loving person who has been an incredible asset to our family...
There are so many good memories and happy times. I look forward to seeing you both again soon and adding some more great memories to the old ones.
Thanks for being you, Grandpa.
Love from your “kid,”
Julie
Dear Pancha,
We love your head,
We love your toes,
And in your book
Please keep your nose
So you can learn
Before you play.
Enjoy your friends!
Enjoy your day!
Love, Mom & Dad