2007-2008 Pen Pals

 

On the left are the students from Mrs. Donna Boggess’ fourth grade class at Hartley Elementary School in St. Augustine. On the right are the students from our (Ms. Jasztal’s) fourth grade class.

 

Girls:
Cassandra C.                    Sydni T.
Isabella M.                      Sabrina B.

Samantha M.                   Sammie B.
Taylor P.                          Samantha M.
Devin S.                          Allie Z.
Haley S.                          Gina G.

Elena S.                           Shant’erica O.
Megan S.                         Katie P.
Sarah S.                          Veronica M.

Boys:
Noah B.                           Jonathan L.
Matthew B.                     John P.
Tyler J.                          Tyler R.
Kannon K.                         Warren O.
Dylan L.                           Jonathan L.
Cody L.                            Ryan L.
Daniel M.                         Tyler R.
Jacob M.                         Ryan L.
Ethan O.                         Ryan K.
Zack T.                            Erik F.
Trehvon W.                     Darrel H.

 

Possible topics to bring up when writing your pen-pal letter…

Your age and your date of birth

 

Which sports do you play?

Where is Brooksville located? Mrs. Boggess showed the class where it is located, yet write about where you can find it on the Florida map.

What are a few of your favorite video games? Explain that you are designing your own in fourth grade this year.

Tell your pen pal where you have been in Florida!

Ask your pen pal questions about St. Augustine. Remember that it was founded in the year 1565, which is 441 years ago. Ask what is in St. Augustine and mention that your teacher showed you pictures of the lighthouse, Flagler College, and the Castillo de San Marcos fort. Ask your pen pal if he or she has been there. 

Tell your pen pal you are located near the Gulf of Mexico. As you know, they are located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Describe your classroom and what types of centers we have in our room.

Which subject are you best at, and why?

If you could try anything new, what would it be?

How many brothers and sisters you have (their names and how old they are)

Did you just move here this year? If so, how is Brooksville different than the place you moved from?

Have you been Student of the Week or Student of the Month?

What are some of the specials you have been to this year? They change specials every day and you do it every week, so explain that to them.

What is something that interests you (scuba diving, dolphins, dinosaurs, going to the beach, football, motor racing, Chicago Cubs, etc.)? Explain your interest and share facts about your interest!

Something about being in fourth grade (including your teacher’s name)

Mention how you have been writing about what you would do on your perfect day.

Tell about our Florida tour that we took the other day. Where did you go on this “Florida Tour”?

 

For a reminder-

-St. Augustine

-Caves in Marianna

-Jacksonville (MOSH)

-Tallahassee

-Key West

-Don CeSar Hotel (St. Petersburg)

Where have you traveled? Which states? Which countries? Explain what you liked about your travel experience.

What is your favorite sports team and player(s)?

Your favorite foods

Which type of music do you enjoy listening to? Who are a few of your favorite music artists?

Are you involved in any organizations outside of school (for example, sports, scouting, or religious organizations)?

What is something that you have done in your class so far this year? (For example, Reading is preparing for a news show about the Titanic.)

Describe your family. Do you have a humorous moment that you can share?

Describe your school. For example, last year we put on The Jungle Book. This year, we have our leopard spots that we can earn anywhere on campus!

What are some of your favorite books to read? What is a book you may want to try reading?

Write about something that is particularly special to you. Have you received a gift from your family that you cherish? Describe that cherished item.

Do you collect items? If so, what is in your collection? How long have you been building your collection?

ANY OTHER TOPIC…

 

 

Then remember to ask questions! (Yet don’t overload your pen pal!)

The best personal questions to ask are ones that require students to reflect a little before they answer—this develops critical thinking skills. Sometimes people call these types of questions open-ended. Open-ended questions don't have one correct answer and can't be handled with a simple one-word response. Here are some examples.