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The core of K-grams is the hand-written letter exchange
program. College and elementary pen pals write letters back and
forth throughout the academic year in efforts to develop positive
relationships and one-to-one connections.
The pen pals learn about each other through discussions
of shared interests and future plans, up-coming vacations, special
events, and much more! College pen pals consistently find that
they have a lot of insight to share with their young pals, but
more surprising - their pals have advice for them, too!
Why do kids like being pen pals?
"I think it made a big difference
to a lot of these kids to know that someone older and in an influential
position (college kid) would be interested in sharing in their
life."
- College student pen pal
"I just love K-grams. I think pen
pals are great. It's like your own special friend."
- 2nd grade pen pal
"K-grams is fun because you learn
about somebody you don't know and you become friends with them
before you even know it!"
- 5th grade pen pal
"I like writing letters. It is
fun writing letters. It is fun getting them, too. I like getting
them more than writing them."
- 3rd grade pen pal
What are the Core Components to the pen pal program?
- Quality - K-grams assures
the quality and safety of the letters through a thorough double-check
process. K-grams organizers ensure that each letter is reviewed
and complies with the proper formatting and content guidelines,
so each student is assured a quality letter.
- Frequency - Once a month,
letters are hand-delivered to the schools. The kids enjoy the
visits, because it gives them the opportunity to meet a few
of the college buddies and ask them questions about college
life.
- Equality - The #1 rule
in K-grams is that each student gets the same opportunity with
each exchange. K-grams organizers enforce this rule while also
promoting the uniqueness of each relationship.
- Curriculum - Teachers
are encouraged to incorporate K-grams into their curriculum
and use it as a basis for learning. K-grams teachers have promoted
its use as a writing incentive, a teaching tool, and a self-esteem
boost for their kids.
What are the teachers saying about K-grams?
"It's great for the kids to write
for a purpose. They are much more motivated to learn to read and
write, and it makes my job easier. Plus, they love getting mail!"
- Elementary School Teacher
"I tell them this is a "conversation"
in writing."
- Elementary School Teacher from Ypsilanti
Michigan
"The letters are a real life extension
of our language arts work."
- 5th Grade Teacher
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