I was discussing President Kennedy in class recently and his creation of the Peace Corps in 1961.  I then went to the website (http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws ) and discovered an entire section for educators.  There are lesson plans and a newsletter that is available, but what really drew my attention was the “connect to a volunteer” link.  This option gives you (your class) the opportunity to communicate with a Peace Corps volunteer in another country.  It is simple to sign up for and is something I am planning to setup over the summer, when I prepare for the new school year.

In my book, I mention that pen pals can be a fun way to learn about other people and cultures, whether in the U.S. or another country.  This Peace Corps correspondence connection can serve the same purpose.  Below I have included several other websites that could lead to pen pal opportunities as well.

·         www.pen-pal.com

·         www.epals.com

·         www.penpalworld.com

With the end of the school year fast approaching, this may not be the time to start a new project.  It is the time though to start preparing for next year!

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Be sure to check out the “idea of the week” and “website of the week” at www.energizetheclassroom.com .

-Paul Richmond

 E.T.C.