Revamping the Penpal Experience

I often hear teachers talking about their penpalling activity going South for various reasons. Sometimes it takes too much time hearing back from the other class. Other times, missing students will completely disorganize the writing activity. Worst of all, some students might even tell you that they just don't know what to write. But WHAT IF students did not only exchange letters? WHAT IF they could prepare little activities and games for one another? WHAT IF they could collaborate on different writing tasks? Not only would it make the penpal experience a little more engaging, but it would also make the pairing of students easier for the teacher as the exchange wouldn’t have to take place between the same two students all year long. Here's a list of simple ideas to to revamp penpalling activities in the ESL classroom. Looking for penpals from other schools? Write your name and email here.