Classroom Cultural Exchanges

Spending as little as one hour of class time per week on such a project, cultural exchanges, perhaps by email, let a class know about people in another part of the world while writing with a purpose in English. It is not necessary to have computers in your immediate classroom, and some classes would even like to interact by snail mail.

Check out this example that took place between American 5th graders and 6th grade students in Portugal. Be sure to notice that this teacher was even nice enough to post her original messages between her and her American counterpart. (Scroll down to see some of the recipes they exchanged.)

The Spirit of Christmas Email Exchange

For other ideas about possible topics for an email exchange, click here.

For a “safe” site for finding partner classes and posting your own class profile try Epals.

(Tip: When posting your own classes profile, be specific in your project guidelines and give a detailed, personable description of your class! You are more likely to find willing classes and teachers to partner with!)

Take a few minutes to search on possible parter classes for an email exchange using Epals. What do you notice about those descriptions that catch your attention?

For a site offering other international, collaborative projects check out elanguages.

Do you see any projects here that your class would want to collaborate on?