Featured Activity: International Pen Pals | 21st Century Learning and Teaching | Scoop.it
How does this activity impact your students?

The PenPal News program challenges them to craft precise questions for their international partners to read and consider. If my students can develop a keen sense of how to elicit meaningful answers from a peer writing in his or her second language, they can certainly practice high-quality reporting right here when they work as student journalists around the school. Some of my students have kept in touch with their pen pal through social media, and a few have developed friendships that have lasted for years.


Do you have advice for teachers who want to get more involved with global programs?

Start with a program that provides resources and support, like PenPal Schools. Determine what standards you want and need to address through the program. Schedule time in your class to proctor and participate—and soon you will be experiencing a dynamic shift in how your students learn.