312. Writing Stations

Nov 5, 2025

Explore the magic of writing stations that inspire kids to discover the joy of writing! Hear heartwarming stories about a young letter-writer whose praise sparks delightful responses from companies. Discover the beauty of tangible communication and how it fosters connection and gratitude. Learn simple tips for creating stress-free stationery kits and celebrate the human touch of handwritten notes. Plus, ideas for exciting family writing nights and the joy of choosing stamps at the post office make letter writing a cherished activity!

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ANECDOTE

Stephen's Letters Move Companies

Melissa Wiley's son Stephen writes praise letters to companies and often receives gifts in return.
UPS called Melissa after Stephen praised their delivery and offered to send him a present.

ADVICE

Create A Ready-To-Use Stationery Kit

Make writing accessible by creating stationery kits with stamps, envelopes, and address labels.
Keep supplies handy so kids can write whenever inspiration strikes.

ADVICE

Use Real Recipients For Writing Practice

Turn letter-writing into a purposeful writing exercise by assigning real recipients or companies to praise.
Accept spelling or punctuation errors because authentic handwritten letters are valued more than perfection.

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Julie Bogart and Melissa Wiley return with a heartwarming episode all about writing stations---simple, inviting setups that help kids discover the joy of putting pen to paper. Inspired by Melissa's son Steven, who has turned letter-writing into an art form, the hosts explore how authentic writing can become a beloved ritual rather than a chore.

From Steven's letters to UPS and Paula's Choice to the treasure of handwritten notes to grandparents, Julie and Melissa show how writing stations make real-world communication accessible, beautiful, and meaningful. They share easy ways to stock materials---stationery, stamps, pens, and postcards---and ideas for turning everyday writing into connection, gratitude, and delight.

This episode celebrates handwriting as an act of love and self-expression, reminding parents that the goal isn't perfect penmanship---it's the human touch of words sent out into the world.

Topics discussed include:

How one homeschooler's letters sparked joy and community
Creating low-stress writing stations at home
Letter writing as real-world language arts
Why small gestures of gratitude matter
The enduring beauty of paper, pens, and stamps

Resources:

Unfortunately, “Murph” (Melissa’s source for old stamps) is no longer selling online. But don’t miss these Goodnight Moon stamps at USPS! (The new Baby Wild Animal forever stamps are adorable too)
Visit our “Tools for the Art of Writing” page in the Brave Writer Book Shop
Fall class registration is open!
Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
Brave Learner Home
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

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Produced by NOVA