Children love to write letters to Santa Claus. Parents usually lend a hand. How should a parent help a child write a letter to Santa Claus? Here are some tips that will make your child’s letter to Santa more than just a list of gifts he or she wants.
Dear Santa………
First of all, a letter to Santa should be a personal message from your child to Santa Claus, not to a parent or grandparent. The child’s own words should be used and the child’s personality should shine through. Very young children ages 2 to 5 can draw or cut out pictures to show the gifts they want for the holidays. The parent can write words just as the child says them. Encourage your child to watch as he writes and says the letters aloud. Talk about the sounds that letters make. Show the child how to leave a space between each word.
kindergarten to third grade
For kids in kindergarten through third grade, making a word chart is a great idea. The child can first think of the words, get help to spell them, illustrate them, and then write the letter on their own. The 5 and 6 year olds will need a little extra help. It’s helpful to have a chart that shows the shape of a letter to Santa, for example, showing where to put the date, the salutation, the body of the letter, and the closing. Your child should tell Santa about the good things he has done throughout the year, as well as what he wants as a gift.
Grades 3 to 5
Children in grades 3 through 5 probably don’t believe in Santa Claus, but may be encouraged to write a letter anyway, “for fun.” Encourage your child to tell what good works he has done during the year and how he has helped others. Have the child write a “good wish to the world.” The child can also tell “Santa” his goals for the coming year. Parents can respond to these letters, giving advice and sending love to their children. Save the letters to Santa for posterity.
All children should send best wishes to everyone at the North Pole. Letters can be mailed to: Santa Claus, The North Pole, The Arctic, The Earth.
