Written by: Monika Spaulding
When learning a foreign language, putting the words into practice is what helps students learn and remember most. So, when French teacher Joanna Schmidt learned a friend was teaching the same subject at an area school, she got the idea for pen pals.
“The idea started up a couple of years ago when Michelle Mihlalik began teaching French at Scottsburg High School,” said Schmidt. “We decided to partner up our students by matching up our level 1, 2 and 3 students.”
She said she does not do it with her level 4 students because there is not currently a level 4 at Scottsburg.
“It's a little tricky sometimes because they're on trimesters - so there will be times when she doesn't have a certain group of kids,” said Schmidt, explaining that right now, her French 3 students do not have pen pals, but they will closer to the end of the school year.
When deciding what to write, Schmidt said they usually use whatever content they’re currently studying as the basis for the letter they write.
“We often do the messages on Google slides so the students can express their creativity and also include pictures,” said Schmidt.
French 1 student Brooklyn McKee said she likes using Google slides because they get the response so much faster than if it were sent by text.
“It is super fun to learn about someone in a different language!” she said.
Sophomore Jocelyn Elrod said she feels that she and her pen pal have very similar personalities.
“It’s been a great opportunity to talk to people I wouldn’t have the chance to talk to otherwise,” she said. “I’m now friends with Khloe and even the teacher, Madame Mihlalik!”
She added that it’s been interesting to see what they have learned at Salem compared to their Scottsburg peers.
“It’s been fun to watch us both grow our French skills!”
Sophomore Mason Davidson said having a pen pal has been a great way to help him get better at making full sentences in French.
Sophomore Claire Shouse said she has enjoyed writing her pen pal and wished they did it more often.
“It is incredibly fun, as it gives me the opportunity to test my French reading skills!” she said. “The people in Scottsburg seem to have interesting lives.”
Junior Cameron Neal said she feels like the pen pal program is a great idea because it makes learning French fun, social and allows them to make new friends.
“I also like how it involves French students from another school,” she added.
French 2 students are in their second year of having pen pals. Sophomore Abby Spaulding said, “I love it! I think it’s fun to be able to communicate with other students in a foreign language. I also enjoy when we make cards and send them.”
She said she does not know her pen pal’s English name, but Papillon has been her pen pal for both years. This year, she got another pen pal, Luc. She said she doesn’t plan to add either person on social media because she enjoys just knowing them as her pen pal.
Sophomore Collin Schocke is also in his second year of French and said having a pen pal is fun and he enjoys talking to someone in a different language and being able to understand them.
“I have made new friends and even met one of my pen pals!” he said.
Senior Cadence Colwell said she has not met her pen pal in person, but they have become friends through writing.
“I know what my pen pal looks like and she knows what I look like, as well,” she said. “We have shared our favorite hobbies, vacations, classes, etc.”
Colwell said she enjoys meeting new people and this activity has allowed her to do just that.
“It is a great way to meet others that are interested in the same subject,” she said. “I really enjoy the opportunity I have to be able to meet and connect with others.”