Let's be ePals

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While browsing through the ePals website, I have found a lot of resources and ideas that are very useful for teachers.

The first thing that I noted was the program called in2books. In this program, students in 3rd to 6th grade are connected with an adult pen pal. They then select and read 5 books closely throughout the year. The pen pals also read the same book that the student is reading. The student and the adult pen pal then exchange 6 to 10 online letters with each others. Through this program, students are able to
get encouragement from caring adults. They are also receiving instruction and guidance on how to read, write and think. Through this interaction with peers, teachers, and adults, ideas are able to be exchanged while being intellectual relationships with each other. Students are building a support group that is there to motivate the students to perform to the best of their abilities. Students are also able to express ideas and learn and learn about different points of view in real-world situations.

Another aspect of the website that I enjoyed was the teaching resources that it provided. This section was labeled Tools For School. They sectioned this off into best materials on the web and education insights, inspiring ideas, latest tools blog. They included free material and material that could be purchased. They also have sections for different grade levels and subject areas. They also included different languages as well. It is nice to have material available that is provided by teachers in your fields. That way you know that it works. The blog is also very informational. Hearing about your profession for others in the field can always allow you to grow. It also allows you to communicate with others and get feedback and information on things going on in your own classrooms.