Secret Message in a Bottle

Check out the link below for a cool pen pal idea. I checked with the Postmaster in our town, he assured me he had seen these before come through the Postal Service. I mentioned using a clear plastic water bottle and he said that would be fine.

http://kidsactivities.suite101.com/article.cfm/send_a_message_in_a_bottle

Tip #5

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day is coming up in the next couple of weeks.

Send your pen pal a special Valentine's Day Card

Tip # 4

Creative Pen Pal Idea

Tip #4- Mirror Image

Type your letter on the computer. When you are ready to print out, get your parents to go under Print Properties and Choose Print Layout and Select Mirror. Your letter will print out backwards.

Include this note with your letter:

Hold my letter up to a mirror to read.

Tip # 3

Creative Pen Pal ideas:

Make up a code/decoder and write your letter in code. Mail it to your pen pal, don’t forget to send the decoder with your letter.

Sample Code: 8 5 12 12 15 / 13 25 / 14 1 13 5 / 9 19

3 8 18 9 19 20 25.

Sample decoder:

A = 1 / N = 14
B = 2 / O = 15
C = 3 /P = 16
D = 4 /Q = 17
E = 5 / R = 18
F = 6 /S = 19
G = 7 /T = 20
H = 8 /U = 21
I = 9 /V = 22
J =10 /W = 23
K = 11 /X = 24
L = 12 /Y = 25
M = 13 /Z = 26

Could you figure out my message? Try and come up with a code all your own.

Tip #2

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Mail your pen pal a Christmas card this week. If you like, make a Christmas card. Find a white piece of paper and trim it to fit an envelope you have. Draw your favorite Christmas activity or picture on the front. Write a short message to your pen pal wishing them a Merry Christmas.

If you email your pen pal, send an e-card. Ask your mom or dad to help you. One website is http://www.dayspringcards.com/.

Pen Pal Tip # 1

How to get started:

There are 5 parts to a friendly pen pal letter.

1. Always put the date at the top right corner of your paper.

November 25, 2012

2. Begin with your greeting:

Dear_____________________,

3. Then write the body of your letter. This is the part where you just write down what you want to say to your pen pal.

The first time you write introduce yourself. You could write….Hi, my name is _______________ and I am ____ years old. I like to _______________. What do you like to do?

Make sure to ask your pen pal questions so they can answer them in the next letter.

Some sample questions are:
What is your favorite book?
What TV shows do you like?
Do you have any brothers and sisters?
Favorite food?
Favorite toy to play with?
I bet you could come up with some different ideas on your own.

4. After you are finished talking in your letter, write a closing line.

Some closings are:
Sincerely
Your friend,
Your pen pal,

5. Sign your name under the closing.

Sincerely,

Christy