Tools and ideas for letter writing
We have developed a range of tools for you to use when writing to your sponsored child. Your child will be using similar tools to help them write too!
Storyteller cards
Children love stories. World Vision UK is encouraging children to think of corresponding with sponsors as storytelling rather than letter writing. We have developed some tools for our sponsored children to use, and it would be great if you could also get involved in this too. Our hope is that it will capture children’s interest more and so build a stronger relationship between you and your sponsored child.
Our storyteller cards are beautifully illustrated scenes from life, which prompt children to think about aspects of their own life they may want to tell you about. They cover topics from family life, to education, food and play – and much more. Children are encouraged to think about their emotions and senses as they describe something about the topic. This also helps with their development and ability to express themselves!
You can be a storyteller too! We know that sometimes it is difficult for you to know what to write, so we have developed a set of storytelling cards for our UK sponsors. You may want to use these to help you – or your own children write – to your sponsored child.
Download your own set of storyteller cards.
Mirror the seasons
Weather and climate are very important in the countries that we work in. People’s circumstances often change with the seasons. For example, in India during the monsoon, village communities move to higher ground, staying in temporary structures.
Many sponsored children are interested to know about our seasons – what they are like and what impact they have on our day-to-day living.
You could send your sponsored child a letter at the start of our seasons, describing it and bringing it alive for them. You can do this by describing:
- What it is like
- What it looks like
- What it feels
- What you do at this time
- How it affects your lifestyle
- How it affects your emotions.
Remember to use descriptive language – imagine that your sponsored child has no idea what life is like here in the UK.
Download an example Spring letter.
Festivals and events
Festivals and events are an integral part of your sponsored child’s community experience.
You could write letters that share your experiences of common festivals.
All of the following would be interesting for your sponsored child to hear or be asked about: