Write Me A Letter

By Kit Colson, CCM Communications Intern

The simultaneity of the 2020 lockdown and rising usage of social media has left many wondering how our children will be affected. From an outsider’s perspective, it looks as though generation Alpha lives in a world completely different from previous generations, with challenges that have to be overcome in new and innovative ways. An article by EdSurge points out the lack of engagement in middle school as a further issue, along with learning loss, behavioral challenges, and developmental stagnation, resulting from the pandemic. Given the downwards trajectory of gen alpha’s education, educators are scrambling to find solutions.

It turns out, despite the current technological revolution, that one answer is by returning to old, forgotten methods. In Branford, schools have begun reinstating pen pal programs between students and seniors. Throughout the school year, students and seniors exchange handwritten letters on a monthly basis. This writing offers a change of pace for students who are used to typing essays on computers. According to an article by News8, the students expressed their satisfaction with the writing because it requires more “brain power” than typing.

By the end of the year, students met for the first time with their pen pals at Walsh Intermediate School. Whilst this meeting offered a chance for students to develop new relationships and sharpen their in-person social skills, there were other practical skills being taught. One of these was the art of cursive handwriting, an often-forgotten skill that adults might be pleasantly surprised is still being taught. The seniors worked in person with the students to teach this classic skill. Not only is this exercise developing new relationships for the students, but it is also helping strengthen their familial relationships. One senior interviewed by News8 was proud to say that her student got her mom involved in helping teach cursive. The teaching of cursive offers a bridge between the education of gen Alpha and adults.

Outside of just education, the meeting between students and seniors led to further social interaction. Students exchanged gifts such as journals with seniors, emphasizing kindness and instilling a love of writing.

The success of the program goes to show the importance of getting students involved with real individuals rather than just sitting in a classroom all day. But none of this would be as successful if it was not fun for the students. One student interviewed by News8 emphasized how fun writing could be compared to typing, and another student emphasized how cool the senior he was matched with is. Both cases show how a focus on fun and social interaction lead to higher engagement by students.

While the educational challenges presented by the aftermath of the pandemic and technology absorption require unique solutions, it is clear that Connecticut schools are doing their best to get students up to speed, and have done so by including multiple generations as well. Innovative solutions such as this pen-pal program are bringing back much needed social interaction and writing skills that students lack, positively shaping these students’ futures.