This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMeMedia and Disney Junior. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Em is now in the Montessori level classroom at school. Although she’s learned a lot since she started preschool two years ago, this is THE year. The year where she will be learning to write her name, learning the importance of the alphabet, learning to challenge herself – even when she feels like she can’t do it.

All of the skills Em learns at school are practiced at home through different activities. Every Friday the school sends home a newsletter detailing all the different activities that took place over the course of the week. So although she doesn’t receive homework at this age, I want to reinforce the skills she’s learning at school by putting those new skills and tools to use in a constructive way.

With today’s advances in technology, things like old-fashioned letter writing have gone to the way side. I remember when I was in elementary school I had pen pals – usually friends I met over the summer during my family’s travels. We would continue to stay in touch by writing letters to each other weekly. As Em gets older I want her to be able to enjoy the same kids of joys as I did, with simple things, like the rewards of letter writing – specifically receiving mail in your name. Any writing she does now may mostly be chicken scratch, but it’s the beginning of a beautiful skill she will be able to use and carry through her life.

We invited over some of Em’s friends for a Royal “Iced” Tea and letter writing party last week. Most of the moms confessed their children hadn’t ever written a letter, not even to family members like Abuelos and Abuelas who lived far away. From my observations, the parents were really excited to be able to share in this experience with their child. The one on one moment created through the learning experience was a bonding one.

Learning about the art of letter writing is a simple and easy process that will allow them to explore and discovery their creativity.  Letter writing doesn’t necessarily even need words. Younger children can draw pictures, or even use stickers and stamps to express what they want to say.

Sofia the First has always been one of my favorite characters because of the qualities and values she embodies. Throughout the show you see friendship, bravery, courage, curiosity, creativity, and adventure. It was so much fun watching the children work together and help each other out during the letter writing activity. Friendship is all about helping each other.

Dear Sofia Letter Writing

Need some extra magical encouragement to help your child to write their first letter? Disney Junior’s Sofia the First has issued a royal challenge! Any letter sent to Sofia will receive a royal response from Sofia back in the mail! Your child writes a Dear Sofia Letter, you pop it into the mail, and Sofia will send one back personalized for your child.

Want to host your own Dear Sofia letter writing party? Follow these steps and watch in amazement as the children’s faces fill with delight.

– Download these printable #DearSofia Sofia the First stationary  – available in English and Spanish

– Prepare Royal Iced Tea and finger sandwiches for little fingers

– Let them have fun – encourage their creativity through different forms of letter writing expressions

– Provide stickers, markers, stamps, anything that will get them excited about decorating their letter

– Reward them while they wait for their return letter by tuning into Disney Junior on October 12th at 9am ET to catch the newest Sofia the First: The Secret Library featuring a special appearance by Merida from Brave!

To ensure that the letter is received and replied to, your child’s name must be clearly written (you can do that once they are done). Make sure to place a stamp on your envelope and clearly print your return address. Your letter can be mailed to Dear Sofia – 244 Madison Avenue, Box #411, New York, NY 10016. All letters must be sent by December 31, 2015.

Our Honorary Royal Queen conducted an official letter examination before giving them the Royal Seal of Approval to be sent to Sofia in Enchancia!

And then this really brave and courageous Prince stumbled into the Royal Court and proceeded to steal the camera’s attention. He was our knight in shining armor – cupcake face and all! He took each Dear Sofia letter and rode off – in his coche, to Enchancia to safely deliver them to Sofia the First.

All of the children are over the moon excited and can’t for their letters to arrive from Sofia. Em has been asking “is it here yet?” practically everyday. I’ve had to remind her that Enchancia is far away and that the mail process can take a little while to get there and back, but that Sofia will write back soon.

Disney Junior asked young tech savvy children about the different ways we communicate with others – text, email, mail…the responses were hysterical when it came to mail and letter writing. Watch it for yourself here:

 

Preemie wrote a letter too – I may have helped a bit. She wanted to tell Sofia all about how she just turned two years old! Children love to mimic what we do, so why not show them how we share exciting family news with our favorite people. Encourage them to share their favorite family moments with Sofia, like in this video – watch the tender moment between mama and daughter.

 

Writing a letter to a Disney Princess encourages creativity. For more customizable Sofia the First letter writing stationary, head over to DisneyJunior.com/DearSofia.

Catch Sofia the First & Disney Junior online: Official Dear Sofia Website | Official Disney Junior Website | Watch Disney Junior |  Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter |

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMeMedia and Disney Junior. However, all opinions expressed are my own. I received party goods and compensation for hosting a Dear Sofia Letter Writing party and sharing the information above. Regardless, I only share products that I truly believe in and use for my family, that I feel will be a good fit for you the reader. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.