Why we do what we do

[Musical Belle]

A few weeks ago we came to the chapter in grammar about writing a friendly letter. As we were going over it, I wondered how often, really, is a 9yo boy going to need to write to a friend? We have e-mail and unlimited calling, after all! I knew it was an important skill, but didn't really think he would use it any time soon.

Today he received a letter from India. In November he packed a gift for Operation Christmas Child and put his picture and address in. The recipient wrote back to say thank you for the gift and how glad she is to have a new "brother!" He is sitting at the table writing back right now.

This is reason #212 why I homeschool!

[Unicorn]

Aww, that's so cool! See, when you start to ask "why", the answer gets thrown in your lap. I thought it was really sweet that she called him a "brother".

[Jean in Newcastle]

How cool! I think letter writing is still important. I love getting letters! And I'm sure there are many others who think so. Have you heard of people saving "love e-mails"? I'm so glad he has a new pen pal!

[MichelleWI]

That is wonderful! What a great story. :)

I encourage my children to write letters and cards.

I was recently reminded of the importance of this when I needed to revisit the rules for business letter structure myself. I tried a simple Google search for format suggestions and the samples that popped up were horrendous! I pulled out one of my 1950's Grammar and Composition texts and found precisely what I needed.