Homeschooling 101

Lesson 8: Having fun!

Pen Pals

Pen pals are a great way for your child to express themselves, learn about another culture (or even another neighborhood!), work on their writing skills, and have fun!

When looking for a pen pal, here are four easy steps, courtesy of Discoverykids.com

1. Pick a country or area of the United States that interests you.
2. Do a little digging. Read up on that place.
3. Find an organization and write to them asking for a pen pal.
4. Write to your pen pal & introduce yourself!

One important thing to do with your child before they set off on their pen pal adventure is to review some basic pen pal safety rules. Here are the rules we have in our house, but feel free to customize them for your situation.

• Never exchange email with a stranger without adult supervision
• Only tell your first name.
• Do not give out personal information such as your last name, home address, parent's work address, or telephone number.
• Never share a password for an Internet game or chat room with the online pen pal.
• Never agree to meet someone in person.
• Notify your parent if you receive an obscene or threatening message.
• Never send identifying pictures to your pen pal.
• Never attach pictures or other files to an e-mail message unless the people receiving the message and your parents have given you permission.

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