Hey Teachers! How are you doing? Hanging in there?? This year sure is off to a different start, to say the least! Are you beginning the year with distance learning? Or a hybrid schedule? I know these circumstances can make it challenging to connect with your students in the ways we’re used to. This year is certainly requiring us to be more creative than ever before! But I know you’re doing an amazing job getting to know your kiddos and making them all feel welcome!
If you’re starting the year off with distance learning, a special way to stay in touch with your students is through pen pal letters! If you have a hybrid schedule, you could have your students write to each other to get to know one another better! Here are some fun ways to use pen pal letters in your own {virtual} classroom:
Teacher to Student Letters:
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Write a letter to each of your students.
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In the envelope, include the following: your letter, a blank letter template (for your students to respond), and a small envelope with your address (or the school’s address) for them to mail their letter in.
Student to Student Letters:
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Have Group A write friendly letters to Group B.
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Direct the students to leave the letters in a designated bin or “mailbox” in the classroom.
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Group B can then check the mail when they come to school, read the letters, and respond!
Here’s a little sneak peak of what’s inside the Pen Pal Writing Packet I created! It includes four letter templates with two different letter template styles (one with a blank spot for students to draw a picture), as well as black and white versions!
This packet makes a fun addition to any writing unit and is a great way for students to learn about the parts of a friendly letter! This “Parts of a Friendly Letter” diagram is also included in the packet! 🙂
Click the image below to snag this fun resource!
