Catholic Charities of Southern MN; Pen Pals with 4th Grade Students

Catholic Charities of Southern MN; Pen Pals with 4th Grade Students

Students filtered into their 4th grade classroom and settled into their chairs for the final hour of school on a beautiful spring day. Ms. Lutz, Washington-Kosciusko Elementary 4th grade teacher, stands in the front of the class with a handful of mail. Her smile is shining and with the three words “You Got Mail” has every student grinning ear to ear expressing excitement. Ms. Lutz’s 4th grade students have pen pals with members of the Active Aging Program with Catholic Charities of Southern MN. Each month, the pen pals write about their hobbies, favorite foods and special life events. After all students received their mail, the room went silent as they dove into reading their special messages. Students shared with their classmates highlights from their pen pals message. Students found many connections that they share with their pen pals.

After reading and sharing their letters, it was time for the students to put their pencil to paper and write their response. All letters started with the appropriate introduction and they practiced their paragraph indentation and full sentences. Their first paragraph was sharing what they did on Spring Break. The goal for the last ten minutes of class was to complete the first paragraph, over half of the class surpassed this with excitement. Ms. Lutz has been collaborating with the Catholic Charities of Southern MN for the past four years. Students and adults thoroughly enjoy their pen pals and look forward to it each month. This collaboration allows students to practice their writing skills, writing a friendly letter, and improve their communication skills. Ms. Lutz stated, “This is a wonderful program which allows intergenerational relationships along with enhancing many academic skills.”