There are so many ways to make the most out of your Author Pen Pals experience.
The fun and enjoyment you have is only limited by your imagination!
But, to get you started, here's a list of ideas...
Add this badge to your website or noticeboard for all to see!
Email us for different sizes if needed.
(Many thanks to Susea Spray and Kristen Willis for creating them.)
Email us for different sizes if needed.
(Many thanks to Susea Spray and Kristen Willis for creating them.)
For Schools
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For Illustrators
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For Authors
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TIPS!
FOR AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS:
- Send a physical postcard or letter, handwritten or typed.
- Include a photo of you and your book/s.
- Include other photos of your writing space, your favourite books, your pets, etc.
- Recommend a recent book you've read and loved.
- Ask the children to recommend a book to you that they've recently read and loved.
- Talk about your favourite ever children's books, both old and new.
- Ask the children to come up with their own list of favourite books.
- Give the children a writing or drawing prompt.
- Ask the children to send you a story or a drawing.
- Ask the children to send you a list of questions you can answer in your next letter.
- Talk about being a writer or illustrator and what your job entails.
- Give ideas on where your inspiration comes from.
- Talk about how you became a creator.
- Share any writing/illustration competitions or opportunities your classes might like to enter.
- Direct classes to your website or other Australian creator websites that might be helpful.
- Always ALWAYS ensure any and all content you direct children to is 100% age appropriate.
FOR SCHOOLS:
- Send a physical postcard or letter, handwritten or typed.
- Allow the children to reply individually, in groups, or as a whole class.
- Encourage the children to talk about the books their Pen Pal has recommended.
- Create a board or wall in the classroom to pin up their Pen Pals letters.
- Make and decorate a library or classroom letterbox for children to use.
- Suggest the children recreate the cover of their Pen Pal's book/s, or another book they like.
- Send their Pen Pal photos of the classroom or school, perhaps the library or a display of everyone's favourite books.
- Share Author Pen Pals excitement and correspondence on social media and in the school newsletters.
- Encourage students to ask questions about reading or writing or being a book creator.
- Get the children to team up in pairs or small groups and exchange their favourite books, or even write and illustrate something together.
- Let the children take the lead and love their experience!
If you would like to send us any other ideas, or indeed any photos, videos, documents, or links that show how you're celebrating having a Pen Pal, we want to see it all.
Send it to [email protected] and we'll add them to our website with your permission!
(P.S. Don't forget to get permission from anyone and everyone who's in the photo first!)
AUTHOR FAQs
Q. What age group should I choose to be my pen pals?
A. Choose the age group equivalent to the readership of your books. For example, if your book is aimed at lower primary readers, choose a lower primary class. Your class may want to buy your book/s so they need to be age appropriate.
Q. I have written a couple of times to my allocated school but received no letters in return, what should I do?
A. Keep sending your postcards/letters. Schools can experience unforeseen occurrences like staff changes or illness. Unless the letters are being returned to you, it’s likely that they are being read by or to the students and they are getting something positive from the experience.
Q. Do I have to send a free book to the students I am writing to?
A. Absolutely not! But you may if you want to.
Q. I sent a free book to my school and they didn’t even respond. What should I do?
A. Here again, schools can experience unforeseen circumstances and if the book wasn’t returned, it most likely was received and is being enjoyed by the intended recipients.
Q. Am I required to do free Zoom sessions or equivalent?
A. Absolutely not. We appreciate the time and skills you’re already donating to the program just by being an Author Pen Pal. If a school asks you for this service, we recommend you charge them at ASA (Australian Society of Authors) rates.
SCHOOL FAQs
Q. We have written to the creator but haven’t heard back.
A. Send them a follow up email and politely enquire as to whether they received your letters.
Q. The creator we have been paired with doesn’t write books suitable to the age group of our students, what should we do?
A. In this instance, you should write to the Author Pen Pals team, and we will attempt to pair you with a creator who writes or illustrates books that are more relevant to your students’ year level.