How to Find Classroom Pen Pals
Having pen pals introduces children to different languages, cultures, customs, and ways of living. Students will build writing and interview skills through their pen pal relationships. You can find pen pals from a community nearby, or you can choose pen pals from another country. Teachers should choose pen pals for their students and then allow them to build the relationship throughout the school year.
Instructions
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Find classes interested in pen pal relationships on websites such as The Teacher's Corner and A to Z Teacher Stuff. International pen pals can be found at websites dedicated to building international pen pal relationships, such as Write Around the World.
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Consider your lesson plans for the year, and determine a geographical area that would enhance your lesson plans. Children from a culture you will be studying that year, or who speak a language your students are learning, can help you add real-life experiences to your lessons. Look at the available classrooms in the geographical area and age group you want.
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Copy down the contact information of the classrooms that would be a good fit for your students. Children of the same age and classes of similar sizes are good choices.
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Write a letter introducing yourself to the classroom teacher. Include how often you'd like to write, and what type of things you'd like the students to learn from each other.
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Use a map to show your students where their pen pals live. Have your students write letters to their new pen pals. Allow them to share their everyday experiences such as what their school day is like and what foods they enjoy.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit postage stamps image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
