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Building bridges, one letter at a time

Children writing letters_edit
Tommy and a fellow teacher connected Sri Lankan students with students in Illinois through a pen-pal exchange.

From tedious lessons to tangible connections

One component of the English curriculum for Sri Lankan students in grades 6 through 11 is letter writing. Students usually find these lessons to be tedious and monotonous, and fail to grasp the importance of the activity. This year, my counterpart and I sought to make the letter-writing activity more meaningful by introducing a tangible, real-world application.

Making a global connection

Through the Peace Corps Global Connections program, we found American educators at two schools in Illinois wanting to give their students a global perspective through a letter exchange. The opportunity was perfect for us. Together, my counterpart and I decided to bring this project to our grade 7 and grade 10 classes. Our goal was twofold: to teach formal letter writing in a practical way and provide our students with the chance to learn about American culture while sharing their own.

American pen pals spark excitement

We began by introducing the concept of pen pals to our students. Using a template, we walked them through the basics of letter structure and explained the exciting opportunity to connect with American students. From the start, their enthusiasm was palpable. The idea of writing to peers across the globe captured their imaginations.

Brainstorming ideas

The first step was to discuss how to represent Sri Lanka to their new friends. Together, we brainstormed what aspects of their culture to share. Students eagerly talked about the diverse languages spoken in Sri Lanka—Sinhala, Tamil, and English. They described their favorite foods, like rice and curry, dosai (a savory crepe), and string hoppers (rice flour noodles with coconut milk), and highlighted the country’s ever-changing weather, from sunny skies to sudden rain showers. To organize their ideas, we created a mind map, ensuring they had a clear direction for their letters.

We encouraged students to think beyond the basics. They shared anecdotes about family traditions; favorite festivals, like Sinhala and Tamil New Year; and even the games they enjoy during school breaks. These personal touches added depth to their letters, showcasing the vibrancy of their everyday lives.

Sri Lankan pen pal letters
Sri Lankan students composed colorful letters to American students.

Creativity in action

Once their ideas were solidified, we handed out colored paper and markers to encourage creativity. The students decorated their letters with maps of Sri Lanka and colorful depictions of the national flag. Some even drew elephants, tea plantations, and cricket bats. Their pride in their heritage was heartwarming. After they finished the letters, we placed them in envelopes and sent them off to Illinois.

The big reveal

When the responses arrived only a few short weeks later, students were bursting with excitement. For the grade 7 class, we organized a gallery walk. The American students had sent not only letters but also postcards, photos of food, and maps of the U.S. Walking through the gallery, students compared their lives to those of their pen pals, marveling at both the similarities and differences. They pointed out how American students enjoy pizza and burgers while they relish rice and curry. The American postcards of snow-covered landscapes was a highlight, sparking conversations about how different climates shape daily life.

For the grade 10 students, the highlight was a video that showcased the American students’ school and classrooms, giving our students a vivid glimpse into an entirely different educational environment. Comparing the two schools sparked lively discussions about cultural and structural differences. Many students were fascinated by the technology and resources in the American classrooms, inspiring them to think about how to enhance their own learning environment.

A significant impact

This project left a significant impact on our students. For our students, it was more than just learning to write formal letters; it was an opportunity to connect with peers from another part of the world. They gained confidence in their writing skills and discovered the joy of expressing themselves to someone thousands of miles away. The experience also fostered a sense of curiosity, prompting students to ask questions and learn about cultures beyond their own.

As educators, my counterpart and I were excited to discover the power of creative teaching methods. A seemingly dull curriculum requirement was transformed into an enriching and engaging experience. The students' energy and enthusiasm made every step of the process worthwhile. The project was a reminder that even the simplest lessons can become extraordinary when infused with creativity and purpose. By transforming letter writing into a cultural exchange, we empowered our students to see themselves as part of a larger global community.