This project first started after a friend of mine sent a letter and drawing to one of my students after seeing a picture of his artwork. They began to correspond and developed a unique friendship based on their shared love of comics.
I was further inspired to create connections such as these by writing a Donors Choose grant. My students needed more books and notebooks, and I thought it would be an ideal way to get my friends and family involved in my classroom. However, my grant was funded by six generous donors before I could even send out the link! I would write another grant, but don't feel that there's anything I desperately need.
So here I am, wanting to connect you to my students in a meaningful way. That's when I thought of this pencil pal project.
Each week, I will send out a writing prompt (get back into school mode!) to friends and family. The topics will range from anything like "Where I Live" to "If I Were a Turtle in the Ocean." You will respond with a handwritten response to my class. You may send it via USPS or scan/take a picture and send it via email or text. Then, my students will read them and reply.
This project will allow my students to gain exposure to life outside of primary school. They will be so excited to have new friends in new places. (Did you ever have a pen pal? Remember how fun it was?) Having pen pals will also build my students' confidence and skills in writing. They are emergent readers and writers and need as much practice as they can get!
For you, I am hoping this will be a way for you to make an impact in a classroom from wherever you may be. You don't have to be a teacher to touch a child's life! I also think it will force you to take a break from your busy lives (and phones) to sit, write, and draw. Finally, I just want to share their awesomeness with you. One of the things I appreciate most about my job is being able to see the world through the eyes of six and seven-year olds.
Each week, I will send out a writing prompt (get back into school mode!) to friends and family. The topics will range from anything like "Where I Live" to "If I Were a Turtle in the Ocean." You will respond with a handwritten response to my class. You may send it via USPS or scan/take a picture and send it via email or text. Then, my students will read them and reply.
This project will allow my students to gain exposure to life outside of primary school. They will be so excited to have new friends in new places. (Did you ever have a pen pal? Remember how fun it was?) Having pen pals will also build my students' confidence and skills in writing. They are emergent readers and writers and need as much practice as they can get!
For you, I am hoping this will be a way for you to make an impact in a classroom from wherever you may be. You don't have to be a teacher to touch a child's life! I also think it will force you to take a break from your busy lives (and phones) to sit, write, and draw. Finally, I just want to share their awesomeness with you. One of the things I appreciate most about my job is being able to see the world through the eyes of six and seven-year olds.
