Integrate the Pen Pal Experience

Incorporate Pen Friend Letter Exchanges in all Content Areas

Writing to pen pals have become a thing of the past for a lot of kids these days. With some encouragement, kids can reap the benefits of a friendship that spans the country or even the globe.

Writing Skills Can Be Enhanced by Writing to a Pen Pal

Perhaps the most obvious academic aspect of having a pen pal is in the improvement of writing skills. Writing is oftentimes the most resisted activity in the school day. A great way to get children excited about writing is to have them write to a friend.  Children will have an incentive to spell words correctly, use complete sentences and incorporate proper grammar and punctuation. They will also learn the parts and format of a friendly letter. Students can brainstorm what they would like to write to a friend, write a rough draft, edit and then write a final draft. They may want to type their letter on their computer and print it out to mail, practicing keyboarding. Students will also practice how to properly address an envelope.

Students will practice Geography Skills Because of a Pen Pal Friendship

Standards require educators to incorporate Geography in the Social Studies segment of the school day. Students can use online resources or traditional books from the library to find information about the state their Pen Pal lives.  Children can create brochures touting the state’s landmarks and geographical features. Students can also include information about what products the state produces. Research skills as well as writing skills would be incorporated into this project.

Math Skills May be Enhanced Through a Pen Pal Program

Students can practice math skills by researching the population of their pen pal’s state at different times of its history and comparing the growth. They may also look at a map to figure out the distance to their pen pal’s home.

Technology May Be Used to Stay in Touch With Pen Pals

Traditional letter writing is rapidly becoming a thing of the past but with a little encouragement, kids can still have the opportunity to exchange letters with a friend. Still, our lives are surrounded by technology and we cannot ignore it. There may be times in the student’s long-distance friendship when technology could be very useful. Email can provide a quick response from a pen pal. Skype can also provide a fun and free face-to-face conversation for the pen pals, no matter where the other child is located.

Having a pen pal provides a wealth of opportunities, both academically as well as socially. Perhaps letter exchanges will lead to lifelong friendships.