Postcard writing The summer holiday is coming to an end, but what better way to say what you did than by writing a postcard? In times gone by most people on holiday would send postcards to their friends, briefly telling them about the holiday. They would show professional photos of the area or cartoons. There is even a museum of postcards in Ryde, on the Isle of Wight , featuring the cheeky postcards of Donald McGill, which is well worth a visit for adults. Many people still enjoy sending and receiving postcards and we have put together some ideas to help children write interesting and fun postcards of their own, even if they are not on holiday! Firstly use the template to write on. The stamp goes on the top right. The rest of the right hand side is used for the address. If sending from abroad then the country it is going to will need to be added. On the other side it was usual to put the date; very valuable for postcard collectors! Then write the card. There are few rules about writing a postcard; it is nothing like as formal as writing a letter, but here are a few tips: 1. Write small to cram as much in as possible. 2. There is no need to say who you are writing to (as it is on the address) 3. Avoid questions as the person receiving the card is unlikely to reply to it. 4. Make it exciting, informative and fun. 5. Write more like you speak than you would when writing a letter. 6. Finish on a positive note; even ‘Wish you were here!’ As well as writing the postcard, children could be asked to design the front – a seaside picture etc. Go to Postcard Writing