I am proud to be involved with the Author Pen Pal initiative .
This year I have teamed up with Bowral Public School Infants department. Their librarian has been very busy implementing this scheme. I have sent them the book "Jack's Veggie Patch" with a hand written letter at the start of the year. Since then they have all been busy writing letters in reply, drawing pictures of their garden, their pets and their home. It was such a thrill to receive 75+ replies. The children have all worked very hard on their letters and drawings.
Using snail mail is such a thoughtful process. There is not the instant gratification of using modern technology, and I think the children enjoy the slower process. It is important for them to learn how to construct a letter, write it down , and send it off.
If you're a teacher or teacher-librarian working in a primary school in Australia and think your class or classes would benefit from becoming pen pals with an author or illustrator, find out more at www.authorpenpal.com