Activity
Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Your child's "letter to himself" is a low-stress way for him to begin thinking about future goals and also spend some time reflecting on his life. This activity also provides an opportunity to talk about the future without all the urgency of SATs and college applications. Keep the letter he composed to his future self, and surprise him with it at graduation! He will delight in seeing how far he has come, and he will once again be able to evaluate his goals.
What You Need:
- Writing utensil
- Paper
- Envelope
What You Do:
- Before you begin, help your child brainstorm what he will write about. Ask him things such as: What are your current academic and social goals? What activities and people are important in your life? What are your current likes and dislikes? Where do you see yourself in 5 years, and what do you think you will be doing?
- Have your child compose the letter as if he is writing to himself in 5 years. He can add a little something extra by embellishing the letter with pictures or sketches, or simply adding these extras into the envelope.
- Have him read over the letter. When he feels that it's complete, have him put it in an envelope and seal it.
- Put the letter away until his high school graduation and then encourage him to open it up to see how his goals have changed!
Use this letter writing process as a way to talk to your child about what is important to him, and what he hopes to achieve in high school and beyond!
Related learning resources
Letter to Your Future Self
Worksheet
Letter to Your Future Self
In this fun worksheet template, children compose a letter with an extra-special destination: the future!
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Kind Reminders: Letter to My Future Self
Worksheet
Kind Reminders: Letter to My Future Self
Young learners are guided to write a letter to their future self to serve as a kind reminder of their gifts.
kindergarten
Worksheet
Letter to Future Students
Worksheet
Letter to Future Students
Use this worksheet to have students write a letter to future students, offering support and guidance for the upcoming school year.
2nd grade
Worksheet
Letter to My Future Self
Worksheet
Letter to My Future Self
What would you like to be doing 5 years from now? Help your students understand the concept of present versus future with a fun time capsule activity!
preschool
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Back to School Letter
Worksheet
Back to School Letter
Warm up those writing skills with a back to school letter, written especially for your future self! What goals do you hope to accomplish?
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Write a Letter to Santa Claus
Activity
Write a Letter to Santa Claus
Write a letter to Santa and bring back the lost art of letter writing. Learn how to write a carefully crafted wishlist using proper letter form.
2nd grade
Reading & Writing
Activity
Self-Portrait Collage
Activity
Self-Portrait Collage
Help your ambitious kindergartener imagine her bright future by creating a self-portrait collage of jobs she's interested in.
kindergarten
Arts & crafts
Activity
Write a Letter to the President
Activity
Write a Letter to the President
Spark your child's interest in current events by encouraging them to write a letter to the U.S. president.
5th grade
Social studies
Activity
How to Write a Friendly Letter
Worksheet
How to Write a Friendly Letter
E-mail is here to stay, but that doesn't mean kids shouldn't learn how to write a friendly letter.Teach your child how to write a letter to a friend.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Write Your Congressman
Worksheet
Write Your Congressman
A wonderful way for future voters to express their freedom and flex their writing skills is by penning a letter to a leader.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Write a Letter of Appreciation
Worksheet
Write a Letter of Appreciation
Write a heartfelt letter to someone who has impacted your life with this SEL writing prompt for middle grades!
6th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Write Santa A Letter
Worksheet
Write Santa A Letter
Christmas is coming soon and it's time to write Santa a letter. Ask your child to use his best handwriting, and be sure to add some festive colors.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet