I just got an e-mail from ePals informing me of a program they call In2Books that is planned to launch in the Fall. The program is targeted towards 3rd-5th graders and is designed to connect students with "caring adult pen pals" so that they can read and discuss books through the exchange of online letters. For Title I schools, ePals will provide the books and the pen pals. Schools that don't qualify for Title I funds can still participate and use the online service for free but they will be responsible for providing books for their students and for signing up their own pen pals. This seems like a great way to get kids talking about books and a perfect opportunity to include adult members of the community in the education process. I can imagine senior citizens, retired educators, preservice teachers and even responsible high school students participating as pen pals. What a great way to tap into a population of volunteers that might not be able to come into the classroom to help out but could be very helpful as "virtual volunteers".
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