Maped Helix launches Pen Pals 4 Pupils project

Maped Helix has set up the free project to link youngsters in Years 3 to 5 with their peers in other parts of the country, offering them a safe way to swap handwritten letters and build lifelong friendships as part of the annual event that runs from 15th- 21st May.

Sarah Laker, NSW Coordinator said, “it’s perfect that Pen Pals 4 Pupils is starting off the 2023 National Stationery Week campaign. it will help children’s social, communication, and handwriting skills and also let them experience the joy of both sending and receiving letters and cards – the true spirit of National Stationery Week.”

Schools taking part in the Pen Pals 4 Pupils project will also have the chance to attend a free virtual creative writing masterclass with children’s author Chris Smith on 15th May, and five of the schools will be selected at random to win a stationery bundle as well as signed copies of former BBC Newsbeat presenter Chris’ new book, Clarity Jones And The Magical Detective Agency.

All UK schools with Years 3 to 5 pupils are invited to take part and once signed up, Maped Helix will match each class with a suitable group elsewhere in the country so they can start sharing stories and ideas with their new pen pals, helping improve literacy and boost imagination in a fun and exciting way.

The project will continue after National Stationery Week 2023 so schools have until 22nd May to sign up, and will be notified by 5th June of their partner school, and Maped Helix will provide support throughout the 2023-24 academic year.

Since its launch in 2011, National Stationery Week has campaigned to get more consumers into shops by encouraging them to put pen to paper.