By: PAIGE FOSTER
Staff Writer
No matter one’s academic expertise, there is something inherently intimidating about learning a new language – especially one that isn’t commonly used around one’s hometown. French teacher Madame Shannon Maskal knows this well, and has connected with an English teacher in France to get El Diamante French students more comfortable using the language. El D French 3 and 4 students now have pen pals from a small town in France, where their counterparts are learning English.
While the French classes definitively have pen pals, anyone can connect with a pen pal via a variety of online resources. One of the most well-known is the website ePals, which requires teacher moderation and is a virtual pen pal option. Students of the World, My Language Exchange, and PenPal World are other credible options. Of course, when considering writing to a pen pal, make sure to avoid including personal information that someone may abuse.
Once one has a pen pal, there is the question of what to write or include. Below is a list of helpful facts or small items to share with your pen pal:
- An Introduction: This may seem obvious, but your pen pal doesn’t know you! Make sure to introduce yourself by your favorite hobbies, sports, and anything else you particularly want them to know about you as a person.
- A Playlist: Music taste is one of the most personal (and telling) aspects of a person’s unique set of interests. When writing to a pen pal, it could be fun to exchange your favorite songs – especially if your pen pal has a different first language than you.
- A Flower: Include a pressed flower in your letter. No need to go to the store and buy flowers, simply pick one out of your yard to press. Leaves work also, and especially so in the fall when the foliage is so colorful.
- A Local Item: This suggestion is more ambiguous, but including an item that is prevalent in your town may be a nice personal touch. The Central Valley, for example, is known for their agriculture. A resident of Visalia might include a honey stick or some California almonds.