Greetings from...

We write in order to achieve something specific: We want to tell someone something, get something «off our chest» or record something important for later. Writing to and for others has a special significance for learning to write: when children experience that they can achieve a reaction from the recipient with their writing (joy, laughter, a response), this motivates them in particular. They also learn step by step the important skill of communicating with others in writing.

Holiday greetings

If children help to write holiday greetings to family and friends, they can learn how to communicate in writing for the first time. Older children can write the postcard themselves, while beginners can dictate or add to the text. With greetings and drawings from all family members, the card becomes a colourful «collective work». It is particularly impressive for the children when they can observe the effect of what they have written. They may receive a cheerful reply to their message or suddenly discover their postcard from far away on their grandparents' fridge.

Holiday book

Some families put together a holiday or photo book as a memento or to share with those at home. The children can help to write and design it: Select and label photos and snippets of memories, recount or draw special experiences, draw in travel routes, portray holiday destinations...

Invitation

Are you planning a summer party or a birthday party? The children can also help with sending out the invitations - with formulating, addressing, designing and decorating.

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About the author:
Johanna Oeschger is a literature and linguistics scholar, teaches German and English at upper secondary level and works as a media didactician at LerNetz.