By Jill McDonough
Do you want your children to be better writers? There are many simple ways to add more writing to your already existing curriculum.
One way that you can add writing to your homeschool day is by having your children write Christmas cards to go in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.
If you haven’t heard of Operation Christmas Child, this ministry of Samaritan’s Purse passes out hundreds of thousands of shoeboxes each year filled with small Christmas presents, school supplies, hygiene items, and the Gospel message.
While you pack shoebox gifts this year, have your children write a note to put into the shoeboxes.
This is an easy way to add writing to your homeschool while doing a fun ministry during the holiday season.
It is so exciting for kids to receive a handwritten note from the actual child who packed the box. I’m a huge fan of kid-to-kid writing and writing with a purpose.
While your child could write on any piece of paper, I would strongly suggest using DaySpring print greeting cards.
This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission on some products at no additional cost to you. I have used DaySpring cards for years and would highly recommend them.
Here are a few reasons I recommend DaySpring greeting cards:
1. We take this for granted but the nice quality pictures or even fancy script writing is a beautiful treasure to the recipient. I’ve heard presentations from recipients and they say they find the greeting cards beautiful and they never throw away the card.
2. DaySpring cards always have Scriptures in them. This is just another way to penetrate these kids’ hearts with the power of the Word. (Do you prefer the KJV version? No problem, they have a whole selection of KJV Christmas cards.)
3. There is a huge selection of cards often on sale at DaySpring.
4. DaySpring even has Christmas cards specifically designed for Operation Christmas Child. A portion of the sales of this item will be donated to Operation Christmas Child.
Here are some tips on what your child can write in the card:
- Introduce yourself with your name and age.
- Write about how much fun you had shopping for and packing the box.
- Mention that Jesus loves them. (It’s true!)
- Tell the child that you hope he/she will enjoy the gifts.
- Draw your house, state or country with a star showing where you live.
- Write clearly, but don’t worry about trying to write in another language. You usually don’t know to which country your box will be sent. The missionaries who passed out the boxes typically will help with any translations.
- Mention any of your favorite things (food, games, animals, etc.)
- Lastly, drawings are pretty universal. Have fun with your card!
For younger children, you can use a template or graphic organizer for them to organize their thoughts. Here is an example:
Hello!
My name is ______________.
I am from ________________.
I packed this box for you.
Jesus loves you.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
__________________
Bonus: This writing activity can also cross over into a handwriting lesson.
Another fun idea is that you can include a blank card with a self-addressed envelope.
Bonus: This is a good way for your children to practice writing their address as well.
Because of including blank cards and self-addressed envelopes, I have personally received many letters from children and have even been invited to visit them in their homes.
You can’t imagine the excitement when we receive a sweet, handwritten letter from a shoebox recipient.
I have been a longtime supporter of Operation Christmas Child. I have heard and read countless testimonies of how recipients were blessed by not only the boxes but by the enclosed letter.
Lastly, if you would like to read wonderful stories about how Operation Christmas Child began, what distributions are like, stories from real recipients and more, then you will definitely want to read this book.
I have found that when I try to bless others, I’m always blessed in return. As you can see, this is a way to bless others and your children will be blessed as well.
Have fun writing and packing shoeboxes!
The 2020 National Collection Week is November 16-23. Learn how to pack a shoebox, view gift suggestions, get your Follow Your Box label and find the nearest drop‑off location at samaritanspurse.org/occ.
For more greeting cards and Christian gifts, go to www.Dayspring.com for everyone on your Christmas list.
Want your child to learn to write his/her own newspaper or Christmas newsletter? Check out this online course, The Homegrown Newspaper, taught by a 10 year old on how to write the 1st edition of your own newspaper.
Did you like this article on adding more writing to your homeschool? Then you might like to read Why You Should Add Painting to Your Homeschool.
