How to Get a Trucker Pen Pal

The Trucker Buddy pen pal program is a non-profit organization in which professional truck drivers communicate regularly with school children. The program is fun for students, teachers and truckers. It is also a great way for children to learn geography, social studies and history while they improve their writing and spelling skills. More than a half a million school children have participated in the program already.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Information for Teachers

1. Confirm that the class that you are teaching is eligible for the Trucker Buddy program. The program is for children in grades 2 through 8, and classes must contain at least 15 students. Exceptions can be made for special needs classes.

2. Call the Trucker Buddy office at [phone] and request an application or submit a "Trucker Buddy Teacher Application" at the Trucker Buddy website (see Resources below). You can write to Trucker Buddy International, P.O. Box 527, Waupaca, WI 54981. You also can email for more information at [e-mail]. Once you apply, you will receive a letter of confirmation, usually within 30 days, containing the name and address of your assigned "Trucker Buddy."

3. Send your Trucker Buddy a letter of introduction as soon as possible.

4. Discuss your class with the driver and help him choose topics and find materials that are appropriate for your class.

Information for Students

5. Write a get-acquainted letter to your new Trucker Buddy. Ask your Trucker Buddy questions. For example, you can ask her what kind of truck she drives, what she hauls in her truck and what places she has visited.

6. Tell your trucker buddy what you are studying in school and what subjects are your favorites. You can tell him about your family, your friends, your pets or anything thing that you you think he will find interesting.

7. Be sure to write to your Trucker Buddy at least once a month.

Information for Truckers

8. Call the Trucker Buddy office at [phone] and request an application or submit a "Trucker Buddy Teacher Application" at the Trucker Buddy website (see Resources below). You can write to Trucker Buddy International, P.O. Box 527, Waupaca, WI 54981. You also can email for more information at [e-mail]. Matches are usually made in less than 30 days. You will receive a letter of confirmation with the name and address of your assigned teacher.

9. Write to your assigned class at least once a week during the school year. Short letters, postcards, small maps, photographs or e-mail notes are all good ideas. If you fail to write consistently, your class may be reassiogned to a more responsive driver.

10. Tell your students about yourself, your family, your company and your everyday life. Talk about what you are hauling. Let them know about the places that you go and the things you see. You can open up a whole new world to the students.

11. Keep your letters simple, but includes details. Make sure they are appropriate for the age of your class. If you are unsure about this, ask the teacher for suggestions.

12. Contact the teacher if you wish to meet your class in person. If the school approves, contact your employer to be sure that the company has proper liability coverage for a school visit.

Resources

• Trucker Buddy website.

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