Writing Cards and Postcards
Keep it short, cheerful, and neat.
What to include
Postcards and cards are short messages for friends and family. Use simple language and make your message friendly and clear.
- Greeting — Start with a name: "Dear Gran," "Hi Sam!"
- One or two details — Tell where you are or what you did (a fact) and how you felt (a feeling).
- Closing — A kind sign-off: "Love from," "See you soon," and your name.
Step-by-step guide
- Choose who you are writing to and say hello (Greeting).
- Write one short sentence with a fact: where you are or what you did.
- Add one short sentence with a feeling: how the place or activity made you feel.
- Finish with a friendly closing and your name.
- Check your spelling and make sure handwriting is neat (or text is short and clear).
Examples
Dear Grandma, I visited the zoo today. I saw a funny monkey and it made me laugh. The ice cream was very sweet. Love from, Sam
Hi Maya! Thank you for my birthday card — it made me smile. I loved the drawing you made. See you at school. From, Leo
Mini-practice tasks
- Write a postcard from the beach: one fact + one feeling.
- Write a thank-you card for a small gift: say thank you and one thing you liked.
- Turn one sentence about your day into a postcard message (keep it short).
Tip: If you're unsure, read your message out loud — if it sounds friendly and clear, it's ready.
Sentence starters & vocabulary
Use these to help get started. Try one from each column:
Starters (Greeting & fact)
- Dear ______,
- Hi ______! I am at ______.
- Guess what? I saw ______.
Feeling words
- happy
- excited
- surprised
- tired
Try: Dear [Name], I am at the zoo. I felt excited because I saw a monkey. Love, [Name]
Common mistakes and teacher notes
- Avoid writing too many details — postcards need short messages.
- Check names and spelling; capital letters go at the start of names and sentences.
- For KS1: focus on one fact + one feeling. For KS2: add a tiny extra detail (where you are or who you are with).
Teacher note: Use a model postcard on the board. Let pupils plan sentences on a grid with columns: Greeting — Fact — Feeling — Closing.