Guest Post: Summer Writing

Author: Sue Abrahamson, Children's Librarian, Waupaca Area Public Library

We all know the impact of the summer slide as it pertains to reading. Statistics show that math and writing suffer, too. In Waupaca, we are helping kids keep their writing skills sharp by offering a Secret Pen Pal Program. Not knowing what to expect we are blown away by the 160 children participating.

They sign up to be a secret pen pal. We give them a Library P. O. Box # and the number of a Library P. O. Box to write to. (Non-letter-writers are encouraged to draw pictures.)  We ask that they commit to sending their secret pen pal at least 3 letters over two months.

Staff has written postcards to all the kids from their vacations to add to the mail.  We did need to make a few phone calls to remind some families of their commitment. (Usually they were out of town.)  We will have a reveal party later this month so kids can find out who their Secret Pen Pal was this summer.

Parents have been excited to see their kids interested in writing and reading the letters.  They have asked us to continue it again next summer.  Email me at sabraham@mail.owls.lib.wi.us if you have questions or need more information.