![]() ![]() Look for similar language levels, as well as ages. When you contact a teacher directly, be clear about the age, language level and number of your learners. Alternatively, Skype for the Classroom, Etwinning and Penfriends have teacher forums where you can post your request. The easiest way to do so is to use your own contacts. Look for a class who will be a good linguistic match Would you like to receive more articles like this? Sign up for our monthly newsletter. I recommend choosing the platform first, and deciding what you and your learners can do with it. Your whole class might write comments on a shared blog. One learner from your class might send virtual postcards to a learner from the other class. Higher level classes who are working on unreal conditionals can write about what they’d miss if they moved to their partner class’ country.ĭigital penpal exchanges give learners more choices than a traditional, pen-and-paper exchange. For example, classes with a lower language level can exchange videos, posts or drawings about what they can/can’t do. If your class is due to practice language for making recommendations, describing important objects, or supporting opinions, make that the central idea of the digital penpal exchange. ![]() Linking your penpal exchange to your syllabus will also help you justify the classroom time to learners and parents.Īlternatively, match it with functional language aims in your syllabus. You're more likely to get a positive response if you give a clear idea of what you want to do. Posts on teacher forums that request a digital penpal exchange without further information may attract teachers with different aims and expectations to you. If your class have a study unit about the environment, look for an exchange that will help them recycle that vocabulary. Here is my ten stage approach to digital penpal exchanges, from the idea stage to the feedback stage.īefore you look for a teacher and class to partner with, look at your syllabus and prepare ideas based on a theme or vocabulary set. Just give penpal writing a try you won’t regret it.British Council teacher and trainer Melissa Thomson shares her recipe for a digital penpal project.Įach time I do a digital penpal exchange I learn how to make it better for the next time. Before you know it, you’ll have multiple penpals from different countries. Penpal writing is fun once you get the hang of it. You’re free to include anything you want to send to your penpal. You don’t have to follow this format at all. However, this part is completely optional. Many penpals include extras like washi tape samples, sticky notes and stickers as well. Usually “snail mail” includes a main letter, a card for questions and answers and your current favorite music. Be creative! Let your creativity run wild when making your letters to your penpal.Don’t give your address to someone sketchy or someone you don’t trust. Talk to your penpal before exchanging addresses and use common sense.You can also add questions to ask your penpal to get to know them better. You can add little tidbits about how your day was going or you can talk about your hobbies. In your letter, you can write an introduction about who you are and where you’re from. The second way of penpal writing is through email and the last way is digitally through apps like Slowly, HelloTalk and PenPals. “Snail mail” is the traditional way of penpal writing through paper from address to address. Some commonly used penpal supplies are stationary, colorful pens, envelopes and decorative tape. Here are some optional materials you can add to your letter: You need paper, pens or pencils, envelopes and stamps. It’s a great way to meet new people and improve your fluency in another language. You could even ask your language teacher if they’re interested in starting a penpal program with countries that speak the language being taught. You can also penpal with friends or family. Penpal writing doesn’t just have to be with someone you don’t know. ![]() Finding a penpal might take a while, but don’t lose patience. However, you should be cautious on these online websites. Get to know your penpal before giving them personal information and penpalling.Īnother way to find a penpal is by signing up for penpal websites such as Global Pen Friends, Pen Pal World and Interpals. Leave a comment with a brief introduction of yourself on any “Find a penpal” posts or DM other people who left comments. Not only are these accounts great for sources of inspiration, but many of them have posts to help you find a penpal. If you search under the penpal hashtags, you can find accounts dedicated to posting their penpal letters online. One way to find a penpal is through Instagram.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |