Milbank Middle School

The 6^th grade ELA students learned how to write a letter using the friendly letter format as they created letters to 4 different families in Norway.  Mrs. Dallman connected with these families through a Facebook page she follows about Norway history and life.  The students were able to select which family they wanted to write to, and they formulated questions they wanted to ask.  We used a KWL chart to brainstorm what we already knew and what they wanted to know.  This helped guide their drafting process.  Mrs. Dallman mailed out their 1^st pen pal letters Monday, Jan. 26^th and heard word they were received Friday, Feb. 6^th and Saturday, Feb. 7th.  Now the kids are eager to get the responses and and write another letter to learn more.  The students also are antsy as they realize that international mail takes at least 2 weeks receive.  It is a great experience that they are getting firsthand as they learn the immediate response of an email or text is quite different than actual mailing letters through international post.  The 6^th graders have really embraced this experience and are eager to continue their efforts in learning about the Norwegian lifestyle, school experience, and government, among other topics.