This project was very successful. The students were able to build relationships with the Woodland Terrace residents while also working on their writing skills. The kids had a lot of fun writing. Each time I would go to NPE for mentoring or volunteering, they would ask me about their pen pals in the hallways. I hope that they continue to write to their pen pals. I wrote a letter for the students to give to their parents that explains what their student has been doing in class and how to continue to write to their pen pals. I hope a lot of fun being a part of such a great project.
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The past few weeks, Allison and I have been pretty busy. We wrote the 4th prompt for the elementary students and went to their class to help them write the letters. We also emailed the high school students about the upcoming letter due date. I recruited some more high schoolers and got them paired with pen pals. Allison and I reviewed, typed, printed, and organized all of the letters. Next, I wrote a note to the Woodland Terrace participants about how to respond to the letters that they are receiving. There is also a short list of topics for them to write about. I delivered the letters to Woodland Terrace. This week, I will write the 5th prompt for the elementary school students and repeat the same process as the past two weeks.
Stack of letters delivered to Woodland Terrace The first day back from spring break, Allison and I composed and sent an email to all of the high school participants. The next day, we wrote a prompt for the elementary school kids to give them ideas to write about in their letters. We then went to Mrs. Shepler's class on Wednesday. We helped the kids to write their letters and to keep them on task. The next few days, we reviewed, typed, printed, and organized all of the letters. Two days ago, I went to Woodland Terrace. I delivered the letters. I visited with Pat, a resident, and chatted with her. I briefly met with Caralee, who is works at Woodland Terrace and is helping me with the project. She gave me an envelope with letters from the residents. I typed them up so that we can have a record of them. Next week, Allison and I will be going to Mrs. Shepler's class for them to write their third letters. They will also receive their partner's messages. prompt #2 for elementary students letter #2 files with all of the letters letter from a resident to their pen pal
Allison and I went to Woodland Terrace. We delivered letters to the residents explaining what the program is and who their partner is. Each resident we went to was so sweet. They invited us into their living areas. Due to this, we didn't get many letters delivered. We went another day to put the rest of the letters in their mailboxes. Back at the school, we typed out the elementary school students' letters. This way, the Woodland Terrace residents can read the what the letters say. We printed them out and organized them based on floor level. We also drafted and sent emails to the high school students. In the email, we attached a file with writing prompts. After receiving their letters, we went through the same process as the elementary students' letters. After preparing the letters, we went to Woodland Terrace to deliver them. We also created a schedule of due dates and visitations. This schedule is consistent. We have a two week process. After scheduling we contacted Caralee (works at Woodland Terrace) and Mrs. Shepler (teacher of 4th grade class) to see if those dates work with them. The Woodland Terrace participants should receive a minimum of five letters. We hope to get more student and elder participants in the program. Letter to Woodland Terrace residents Resident with her introductory letter Letter to high schoolers Prompt questions Tentative schedule from March to the end of the school year Resident with her first letter from her pen pal
Allison and I received the list of people who will be participating in the Pen Pal program from Woodland Terrace. We matched these individuals with the high school and elementary students. We created a template and wrote letters to each Woodland Terrace participant. This letter explains what the program is and who they are partnered with. We created writing prompts for the elementary students. Today, we will be going to Mrs. Shepler's class. There, we will inform the students how to format a friendly letter. The students will have time to write their first letter to their pen pal. Within the next week, we will make a schedule for when letters are due and when we will deliver them personally to Woodland Terrace. Pel Pal Partners Letter for Woodland Terrace participants How to write a friendly letter Writing prompt 1
Allison Denneman and I will be working together to create a pen pal program. For this program, we will be connecting elders at Woodland Terrace with the youth at NPE and NPHS. Last week, we went to Woodland Terrace. There, we got connected with Caralee. She is in charge of the life enrichment program. We will work with her to recruit participants for the program. Allison and I created a questionnaire for the youth to fill out. We have received 16 responses so far. 13 of which are from Mrs. Shepler's 4th grade class. The remaining are from high school students. We are hoping to get another dozen from Mrs. Shepler's class and a couple dozen more from high schoolers. I have been wanting to participate in a project with Woodland Terrace since the beginning of this school year. Allison and I are both in between projects and work together. I mentioned my desire to work with Woodland Terrace while we were brainstorming project ideas. She came up with the idea to do the pen pal program. I am super excited to be apart of this program! Image of Woodland Terrace Questionnaire for the youth
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