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Pen Pals from Afar

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Lesson Plan

Pen Pals from Afar

Foster global communication skills

In this lesson, students will learn about the lives of children in different countries by exchanging letters with international pen pals. This activity will help students develop communication skills and gain a global perspective. By understanding different cultures, students will build empathy and appreciation for diversity, aligning with the school's mission to instill a culture of growth and pride.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Foster global communication skills

Materials

Paper, Pencils, Envelopes, Stamps, and Printable Cards: Pen Pal Prompts

Step 1

Introduction to Pen Pals

10 mins

  • Begin by asking students if they know what a pen pal is.
  • Explain the concept of pen pals and how people from different countries exchange letters to learn about each other's lives.
  • Show examples of letters or videos from pen pals (if available).

Step 2

Writing a Letter

20 mins

  • Provide each student with paper and a pencil.
  • Guide students to write a simple letter introducing themselves, including their name, age, favorite activities, and a question for their pen pal.
  • Encourage creativity and personal expression.

Step 3

Decorating and Preparing Letters

10 mins

  • Allow students to decorate their letters with drawings or stickers.
  • Help students fold their letters, place them in envelopes, and address them with the provided pen pal addresses.

Step 4

Discussion on Cultural Exchange

15 mins

  • Facilitate a discussion about what students hope to learn from their pen pals.
  • Use the printable cards with prompts to guide the discussion.
  • Encourage students to think about how their pen pals might live differently and similarly to them.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Recap the day's activities and highlight the importance of learning from others.
  • Collect the letters to be sent out and inform students about the next steps in the pen pal exchange.
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Worksheet

Pen Pal Prompts

These printable cards contain prompts to help guide students in writing their letters and discussing cultural exchange.




What is your favorite food?







What games do you like to play?







What is your school like?







What is your favorite holiday?







What do you want to learn about my country?




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Pen Pals from Afar • Lenny Learning