COMPREHENSION THROUGH CORRESPONDENCE

IN WORLD CULTURES HISTORY CLASS,

8th graders participated in a pen pal program with peers of their age who live in Ukraine. “Every few days or sometimes a few weeks, the students exchanged a few lines with their pen pals,” explained Middle School History Teacher Joe Predebon, “realizing that, although in a country resiliently fighting against an invading army, those students had similar dreams, aspirations, and many of the same hobbies.” Sophie Ely ’27, who corresponded via email with her pen pal, Nastia, commented that the program has given her a way to “make a new friend and understand how a person lives under different circumstances.”

“Overall, the students have enjoyed the experience,” Joe said, “and many hope to continue the friendships they formed. No matter what, they have expanded their horizons and learned more about the world outside of their immediate community.”