Suggestion and Tips

If you're not sure of what to write about, here are some samples to give you an idea:

• If you haven't written to your child before
• If you've written to your child before
• Other things you could write about

If you haven't written to your child before

Dear (child's name)

Hi. How are you?

I'd like to tell you a little about myself. I come from Australia, in a state called Victoria. Over four million people live in Victoria - it is a big state!

I work as a manager for a company. I work 5 days each week. When I come home, I like to spend time with my family. What things do you like to do at home?

Do you have brothers and sisters living with you? I live with my husband George, and our two children. Our daughter Josie is 12 years old and in grade 7 at high school. Our son Matthew is 9 and he is in grade 4 at primary school. Do you go to school? If you do, what do you learn there?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes
From Janet

If you have written to your child before

Dear (child's name)

Hello again!

It's your Australian friend, Janet. Thanks for your letter. Josie and Matthew say "hi." We were interested to find out more about your life in Tanzania.

In Australia, we are preparing to celebrate Christmas. We buy a small tree and decorate it with colourful lights and ornaments. Christmas is special because we get to spend time together as a family. We will also be thinking of you and your family at this time. Do you celebrate Christmas? Do you have other special days that you celebrate in Tanzania?

After Christmas, we are going to stay at a beach for a week. We are looking forward to having a swim in the ocean, reading books and playing games with our children.

Happy Christmas
From Janet

Other things you could write about

• Can you tell me about the weather in your country?
• What are your favourite activities at school?
• Is your school close-by or do you have far to travel?
• Have you learnt anything about Australia?
• What things do you do when you are not at school?
• Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Things you could talk about:

• Subjects that children learn in school here in Australia
• The suburb or town where you live
• What you do at school
• Where Australia is
• Australian animals – koalas, kangaroos (it’s surprising how many children know about kangaroos!), emus, kookaburras
• Your work
• Your pets
• Your friends.