Now that my nephew is learning to read and write we are really enjoying writing letters. Since he was born I've been writing to him and from age four he dictated his replies to his mum. In itself writing letters is a great way for a long distance aunt to instill the idea that reading and writing have a big purpose - communication. We do snail mail and kab loves it when there's a letter for him. Recently we hit on a really fun thing to share, we are writing a story together. I wrote the first chapter, about his toys going on an adventure and to my delight he wrote the second chapter all by himself. When he posted it he told his mum 'i can't wait to see what happens next'. I have just sent him chapter 3, including a cliff hanger ending for him to follow up on. Even long distance I'm connecting with my beautiful boy and helping his literacy learning. Take heart, long distance aunties, there's lots you can do together. I like to think that writing to me has helped kab learn to read - he got a book prize for most outstanding student in his first year at school. Sorry, but i can't help bragging, you know how it is...