Thickwood Heights School’s Pen Pal Program Enhances Student Writing Skills
Fort McMurray,– Thickwood Heights Public School has launched a highly successful Pen Pal Program aimed at improving student writing skills in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiated in 2023 by parents Amanda Dafoe and Dr. Ryan Cox, the program connects students with pen pals in Japan and Sweden, providing them with valuable real-world writing experiences.
“My son and his friends were struggling with their writing skills, and I wanted to find a way to help them,” Amanda said. The program allows students to exchange letters with their Japanese pen pals three times during the school year. Dr. Cox, a Keyano College professor, noted, “When we started, some students struggled to write even one sentence. Now, their writing is highly complex and varied. The growth we’ve seen is incredible.”
Principal Tiffany Book emphasized the program’s significance in enhancing literacy and citizenship. “One of our school goals is to improve student literacy continuously,” she explained. “We focus on authentic literacy opportunities that excite students about writing. This includes writing postcards to Canadian veterans and creating holiday cards for Fort McMurray seniors.”
Book also highlighted the collaboration involved in the program, stating, “Our teachers, parents, and community are all working together to create meaningful connections. It’s amazing to see our students not only improve their writing skills but also develop a greater sense of community and global awareness.”
In addition to their correspondence with international pen pals, students are creating “zines,” self-published magazines that showcase their writing and artistic talents. Book said, “This creative approach allows students to express themselves and feel confident in their abilities.”
By fostering these connections, Thickwood Heights Public School is helping students build essential literacy skills while engaging with peers around the world. The school looks forward to continuing this enriching initiative and witnessing the remarkable growth of its students.