Penpal scheme ‘encourages good writing skills’

A penpal scheme is showing younger generations the importance of being able to write a legible letter, in an age when technology is rife.

Youngsters in establishments around Knox County, US, have been corresponding with each other for a number of months and recently met in person, Mount Vernon News reports.

Teacher Linda Bratton explains it offers them the chance to build up friendships but also helps them on a practical level as pupils can hone their writing skills.

Elementary consultant Jan Taylor comments: "Giving the pupils a reason to learn to write a letter encourages them to write better letters.

"In the meantime, they also learned handwriting has to be legible."

It is also possible that the practice is therapeutic, as a recent piece in the San Angelo Standard Times suggested people have to think about what they want to include in their messages before putting pen to paper, which will encourage them to carefully consider their notes.

Posted by Mark Wilkins