I recently made my thirteen year old step-son write a thank you letter for a Christmas present he had received. As a teacher, and being pernickety about these things, I made sure he showed it to me before he sent it. It was fine, if a bit brief, but it made me think about the writing of letters.
Do you know, I couldn't even remember the last time I wrote a proper letter. I don't mean one sent via email or even one typed on the computer and I certainly don't mean a letter to the bank or a covering letter to go with your short stories - I mean a good old fashioned 'I just had to write and tell you about...' type of letter - hand written of course.
Anyway, I was interested to read that the art of letter writing is being reintroduced into the curriculum in secondary schools by the Government. This is due to worry over their growing reliance on texting: apparently thousands of teenagers are struggling to write letters with out using 'text speak''.
Actually, when I think about it, I realise that, for me, the demise of the handwritten letter is actually a relief - I never did like writing them!
Am I the only one who doesn't write proper letters? When did you last write a handwritten letter? (and no, I don't mean a note to the milkman!)
The last letters I wrote were thank you notes after our wedding last summer. Not even sure they count as they were just a few lines each.
ReplyDeleteThat may even have the reason for my last handwritten letters - three years ago!
DeleteAbout ten days ago, to thank our host for a party I'd been to. But still awaiting letters in response to presents I've sent, including 2 wedding presents. Last summer....
ReplyDeleteI think it is a lost art, Frances. That's rude not to have received a thank you for wedding presents.
DeleteThe last proper letter I wrote was to a friend in Australia last year. I would type them, but she always writes by hand to me and I feel I ought to do the same x
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder if I can even remember how to write by hand!
DeleteSince I tried writing again with a fountain pen a few months ago, I have enjoyed writing by hand. Some of my friends continue to write letters by hand, and like Teresa, I feel that I should reply to those by hand.
ReplyDeleteNow I feel bad that I no friends that write to me - only text!
DeleteI mean 'have no' friends who write to me!
DeleteGreat post, Wendy, and I do agree it seems to be a lost art at times. I hand wrote my Christmas thank you notecards but noticed my writing was worse because I'm so used to typing. I still felt better that I hadn't just emailed my thanks. And my niece still gets her children to hand write their thanks, so there's hope!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was teaching, the school made the children write in ink pen from the age of 8 upwards. Although it was a struggle at first, their writing was beautiful by the time they were 11 - mine is dreadful!
DeleteHi Wendy - thanks for comment on my blog. Sorry but can't figure out how to email you via your blog! Unfortunately you've missed the Jan meeting for West Sussex Writers. Next meeting now 14 Feb - Prose/poetry slam for Valentines night. I'm on Facebook - are you? Can then message that way. Have read your writing success for 2012 - considering you only started in April you've had tremendous success. Would love to know your secret!! Fancy meeting for coffee in Steyning one morning?
ReplyDeleteHi Trace. I missed the WSW - how annoying. Must have put the date on wrong on my calendar. Would love to meet for coffee! Im only person in world not ot on facebook. email is sargent_wendy@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteOver christmas my Dad gave me my great grannys wax seal and the wax that goes with it. I can't wait to write some letters just so I can try it out
ReplyDeleteOh wow! That's fantiastic. To husband on Valentines day?
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