LetterWriting Guide Desk v2
Writing Letters and Cards PREPARATION
INSTRUCTION
PRACTICE
20–30 minutes
30 min–1 hour
1.5–2 hours
The holidays are meant to be a joyful time but can be isolating for older people. If they’re not able to travel or aren’t close with family, they might find themselves alone over the holidays. Receiving hand-written letters can remind them that they’re still part of a community. Occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day are great opportunities to cheer up the elderly. Below are some ways you can make this a fun and meaningful activity! STEP 1:
Prepare
Contact your local senior center to find out when you can deliver letters.
Gather the necessary supplies of paper, envelopes, pens, and pencils.
Get fun supplies to brighten up your letters, like stamps, stickers, or glitter.
STEP 2:
Write
Brainstorm topics to write about and questions to ask.
Tell them a bit about yourself and express your well wishes for them.
Decorate the letter and envelope as you see fit.
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STEP 3:
Deliver
5 min. Take a trip to the senior center, either by yourself or with friends.
Depending on the timeframe, you might want to stay awhile and spend some time with the elderly. A five-minute conversation and a smile could make their day!
Additional Resources For more information on making creative cards and letters, check out these sites: http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/make-your-own-cards http://www.marthastewart.com/276974/card-making-center
Report Back Once you’re done, head back to the “Be a Companion” page and report your story for a chance to be featured on www.mentorup.org or get a little surprise from the Mentor Up team.
Need Help? If you have questions or need some more tips on writing letters, contact the Mentor Up team at [email protected].
The information provided in this material is presented as general educational information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional, technical or legal advice. For full terms of use please visit www.mentorup.org/ourpolicies.
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INSTRUCTION
PRACTICE
20–30 minutes
30 min–1 hour
1.5–2 hours
The holidays are meant to be a joyful time but can be isolating for older people. If they’re not able to travel or aren’t close with family, they might find themselves alone over the holidays. Receiving hand-written letters can remind them that they’re still part of a community. Occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day are great opportunities to cheer up the elderly. Below are some ways you can make this a fun and meaningful activity! STEP 1:
Prepare
Contact your local senior center to find out when you can deliver letters.
Gather the necessary supplies of paper, envelopes, pens, and pencils.
Get fun supplies to brighten up your letters, like stamps, stickers, or glitter.
STEP 2:
Write
Brainstorm topics to write about and questions to ask.
Tell them a bit about yourself and express your well wishes for them.
Decorate the letter and envelope as you see fit.
1
STEP 3:
Deliver
5 min. Take a trip to the senior center, either by yourself or with friends.
Depending on the timeframe, you might want to stay awhile and spend some time with the elderly. A five-minute conversation and a smile could make their day!
Additional Resources For more information on making creative cards and letters, check out these sites: http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/make-your-own-cards http://www.marthastewart.com/276974/card-making-center
Report Back Once you’re done, head back to the “Be a Companion” page and report your story for a chance to be featured on www.mentorup.org or get a little surprise from the Mentor Up team.
Need Help? If you have questions or need some more tips on writing letters, contact the Mentor Up team at [email protected].
The information provided in this material is presented as general educational information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional, technical or legal advice. For full terms of use please visit www.mentorup.org/ourpolicies.
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