Pen Pal Letter Writing Guidelines
The objective of exchanging pen pal letters is to exchange information
about yourself and how you live your life. Don’t assume that your pen pal
in Kenya knows anything about your life in your country. Explain daily
routines you might have, describe your family, what you do for
entertainment, what school is like for you, etc. We have listed many
writing prompts below if you need them.
In addition to sharing information about you and your life, remember to
ask your pen pal some really good questions. They will be very excited to
share their lives with you. One of your goals should be to figure out how
your life experiences are the same and how they might be different.
The best rule of thumb when writing your letters is to treat your pen pal
like a friend. The more you share with them and the more they
understand your life and all its complexities, the more you will connect.
Lastly, it is always a good idea when befriending a student from another
country to stay away from a discussion of all the material things you own
or have access to.
Possible Writing Prompts:
• Write about an event that has changed your life.
• My favorite holiday is...because...
• Write about one of your favorite foods, and include a recipe.
• Write about your dream occupation. What steps will you take to get
there?
• Write about a time when you accomplished something significant or
overcame a difficult challenge in your life.
• Describe a typical day at school.
• Write about what you see out your window at home or at school.
• Write about your favorite artist, writer, or musician. How do you feel
when you are experiencing their art, literature, or music? You can
include some images that bring this information to life.
• Tell your pen pal what you admire most about him/her. Make it sincere.
• Write about work/chores that you do at home or elsewhere. Do you
enjoy this work?
• What do you think are some of the biggest problems in the world right
now? What are some potential solutions to these problems?
• What’s the best way to create a better world?
• What is your definition of leadership? What does it mean to be a leader?
• Write a letter about where your ancestors came from. That's often a big
deal to Americans, since many of us have ancestors who were
immigrants from another country. But, even if your family has lived
on the same piece of land for centuries, that will be interesting to
your pen pal.
• Write a letter concerning something you're struggling with. Whether it's
the homework for a difficult class or a big life decision, there's
probably something in your life that is causing you a little bit of
trouble.
• Write about your favorite childhood memory.
• Write about your favorite book or story. Why is it your favorite?
• Who has been the most influential person in your life?
• On a weekly basis, you probably visit several places in your community
-- the bank, the grocery store, a gas station, the post office, etc.
This week, take a look at your area from an outsider's point of view.
What is there to see and do in your town?
• Write a letter about the wildlife around your home. Are you surrounded
by deer, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, skunks and rattlesnakes? Or,
is the wildest thing you see all day the ladybug on the windowsill?
Whatever you see, your life and surroundings will be of interest to
your pen pal.
• Write about something you wish you had time to do. Why are you
putting it off? What will it take for you to be able to do it?
• Where have you traveled and where would you like to travel? What do
you imagine those places are like?
• Write a letter sharing the best advice you've ever received and how it
helped you.
• What do you think the world will be like in the future? This could be in
the near or distant future.
• If you could save three things in a time capsule for future generations to
see, what would those five things be?