what is a pen pal?

This week, I told my students we'd be starting a pen pal project in writing. Before I could introduce it, someone blurted out, "What's a pen pal?" Great question.

To give you an idea of their wild imaginations, here are their original thoughts on what a pen pal is...

P.S. We're working on using context clues to determine meanings of words we don't know. Don't be alarmed! :)

how it all began

Last year, I was really inspired by one of my students, Jason. He would draw superheroes on all of his assignments and rip them out to make "toys."

 

Most teachers would've been frustrated because he wouldn't do his work, but I was too distracted by his creativity. Every single day, I took away Jason's "toys" so he could do his work, but I didn't throw them away! I actually saved them in a folder to give back to him at the end of the year. I showed some of my friends, and they were were impressed by his art as well. 

Victor requested Batman and Joker toys.