Eighth grade French students at Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) are building language skills and cultural understanding through an exciting pen pal exchange with a middle school in Alsace, France.
The exchange, organized by French Teacher Michelle Pennelli, began after a former ORMS French student, now working as an English assistant in France, reached out to Madame Pennelli with the idea. All of 8th grade French students enthusiastically agreed to participate.
Students sent their first letters in December, writing in French. In return, each student received a letter written in English from a French pen pal, with only first names shared. A second round followed in February, with languages switched: ORMS students wrote in English while their French counterparts wrote in French.
This approach allowed students on both sides to see how peers their age naturally use the language and gave ORMS students meaningful, real-world practice reading French.
Students are currently working on their third letter, once again writing in French. The exchange has been a positive and engaging experience, with students eagerly anticipating each new letter.
“Our students have done a great job writing their letters,” said Madame Pennelli. “It truly has been an amazing real-world experience for them. I’m hoping to be able to do it again next year.”
The experience has been eye-opening for students.
- “I think this was an eye-opening experience for both our grade and theirs (students in France). It was sheer fun to learn French from someone so far away and get to know them at the same time. I hope the 7th graders get to do this next year and have as much fun as I did.” – Emme
- “I think this was a great opportunity to learn about (a) different culture, and it was even better because we got to experience it with kids our age and how they live life in France.” – Rana
- “This is easily the best project we have ever had.” – Zachary
- “It really showed me how others lived. It was very eye-opening. I look forward to my next letter.” – Caroline
- “This was an opportunity to actively use what we’ve learned. We have engage(d) in the language in a meaningful way; forging connections with real people.” – Everett
- “I expected the letters to only last a bit, but it was cool learning about French culture and other things from France.” – Nathan
- “I think it’s really cool to do something like this. It gives the student(s) (a) great experience and also possibly a friend even if they’re from a different country, but that doesn’t even matter.” – Kellan
- “It was cool talking to another student from another continent that speaks another language and that is from another culture.” – Henry
- “This was such an interesting experience.” – Adriana
Families who attended Humanities Night on March 26, were invited to view a display in the classroom featuring information from the school in France and samples from the first round of letters.
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Madame Pennelli launched the project in partnership with a former ORMS French student who now works in France.