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Pen Pals Around the World

Activity

Pen Pals Around the World

Grade Levels

5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade

Course, Subject

World Languages, English Language Arts
Related Academic Standards
CC.1.4.5.F CC.1.4.5.F
Demonstrate a grade-appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
CC.1.4.5.K CC.1.4.5.K
Write with an awareness of style. • Use sentences of varying length. • Expand, combine, and reduce sentences for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.
CC.1.4.5.Q CC.1.4.5.Q
Write with an awareness of styles. • Use sentences of varying length. • Expand, combine, and reduce sentences for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.
CC.1.4.6.F CC.1.4.6.F
Demonstrate a grade-appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
CC.1.4.6.K CC.1.4.6.K
Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of composition. • Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. • Use sentences of varying lengths and complexities. • Develop and maintain a consistent voice • Establish and maintain a formal style.
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Author

Adapted from Nassau BOCES, Activities That Work

Description

Objective:
Students write letters and exchange information with a pen pal from a school in a country that speaks the language they are studying.

Activity:

  • Teacher secures information on schools in other countries and obtains the names and addresses of students in that school interested in being pen pals.
  • Students select one of the pen pals and engage in an ongoing exchange of information about:
    • Themselves
    • Their families
    • Their friends
    • Everyday activities
    • Interests at home, school, and community
  • Using e-mail, digital cameras, scanners, and a webcam, students maintain an interactive communication with the pen pals.
  • Teacher arranges videoconferencing between the two classrooms so that the students have an opportunity for direct communication.
  • Students should alternate between speaking in English and the foreign language so that the students in both countries have an opportunity to practice speaking.

Duration

ongoing

Assessment

  • A rubric is used to assess written work.
  • Journal writing is evaluated.

Materials/Resources

  • List of possible pen pals
  • Computers with Internet access
  • Digital camera, scanner, webcam
  • Stationery, postage

Comments/Modifications

Foreign exchange students at the high school can be invited to speak with the class.

Source

Adapted from Nassau BOCES, Activities That Work. Found as “Pen Pals Around the World.” In Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Resource Guide with Core Curriculum. New York State Department of Education, 125.
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