My pen-pal is reading my letter. Connecting with a child is a wondrous thing. When that connection is cemented in written words and reading aloud, it gives the child an enormous boost in emotional development and confidence. Suddenly the world and people have a different perspective, and a deeper meaning.
I always champion for reading aloud. Jim Trelease said it best:
People would stand in line for days
and pay hundreds of dollars
if there were a pill that could do everything for a child
that reading aloud does.
It expands their interest in books, vocabulary,
comprehension, grammar, and attention span.
Simply put, it's a free "oral vaccine" for literacy.
Since last year I have become a champion of writing letters, so that others can have the pleasure and experience of reading. Reading and writing are bonded at the hip, best buddies, and you can't have one without the other.
My pen pal proudly read my letter to his grandparents, on his own!
Jennie
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