Sarah Coon has created the project "My Pen Pal, My World: Writing Our Way to Global Friends" in Class2Class.org
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My Pen Pal, My World: Writing Our Way to Global Friends
What is this project about?
Students write simple letters to their pen pals each month, focusing on one writing style at a time, such as describing their day, sharing favorites, or writing about their family. They read their pen pal's responses aloud in class and create a ...
- Age of Students
- 6-8 years
- Project Duration
- 32 weeks
- Starting Month
- October 2026
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to identify and describe cultural traditions, daily routines, and personal interests shared by their pen pals from different countries.
Students will be able to demonstrate intercultural communication and teamwork by writing monthly letters in English that share their own cultural experiences and respond thoughtfully to their pen pal's messages.
Skills to develop
Project Activities
Meet Your Pen Pal: Getting Started Together
Students watch a short video introduction from their partner class, learn about their pen pal's country and school, and share their own interests through a simple whole-class introduction activity. This builds excitement and cultural awareness before the first letter exchange.
Monthly Letter Writing Cycle (October–May)
Each month, students follow a structured routine: mini lesson on a new writing style (friendly, descriptive, narrative, opinion, informational, how-to, persuasive, or reflective), model letter, brainstorm ideas, draft and edit their own letter, then send to their pen pal via email or mail. Students receive letters back, read them aloud in class, and respond thoughtfully. This core activity spans all 32 weeks and builds writing skills, cultural understanding, and pen pal relationships.
Letter Display Wall and Class Celebration
Students create a colorful display wall in the classroom showing their favorite letters, drawings, and photos from their pen pals. The class hosts a celebration where students share highlights from their pen pal correspondence, talk about what they learned about their partner's culture, and reflect on their favorite exchanges.
Live Video Chat with Partner Class
Students have a real-time video call with their partner class to meet their pen pals face-to-face, ask questions, and share stories. This meaningful exchange deepens connections and brings the letter friendship to life.
Pen Pal Reflection and Sharing Circle
In a whole-class circle, students share what they learned about their pen pal's culture, daily life, and traditions. They discuss how having a pen pal changed their understanding of the world and talk about the friendships they built through writing.