PenPal Schools helps students develop skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. Use these downloadable classroom activities to support your PenPals!

How to Create Usernames & Passwords

Students use strong usernames and passwords to protect their accounts and information online. Students will:
  • Discuss the importance of online security.
  • Learn the characteristics of secure usernames and passwords.
  • Create usernames and passwords.

How to Protect Personal ​Information

As students engage with others online, they learn to think critically about the personal information they want to share. Students will:
  • Discuss the importance of online privacy.
  • Learn the difference between identifiable and unidentifiable information.
  • Reflect on what personal information they want to share in online conversations.

How to Prevent Cyberbullying

Students use restorative justice practices to create a positive online community. Students will:
  • Define cyberbullying.
  • Learn the practice of Restorative Justice.
  • Discuss responses to cyberbullying scenarios.

How to Practice Empathy & International Mindedness

Students remain internationally minded by practicing empathy with the perspectives of people from different cultures. ​Students will:
  • Identify the observable traits of their own culture.
  • Discuss how values and attitudes influence culture.
  • Reflect on ways to show empathy towards different perspectives.

How to form Healthy Habits of Online Discussion

Students use healthy habits of online discussion to foster productive and responsive online conversations.
Students will:
  • Identify the elements of productive  and responsive dialogue.
  • Practice Habits of Online Discussion.
  • Discuss the importance of healthy communication habits.

How to Search for Information Online

Students practice efficient and effective online searches to become lifelong learners. Students will: 
  • Analyze a research question.
  • Evaluate the credibility of online resources.
  • Apply internet search skills with a partner.

How to Manage your Digital Reputation

Students manage their online reputation by taking control over what they post and share online. Students will:

  • Discuss how reputations are formed.
  • Analyze how different types of information create a positive and negative reputation.
  • Reflect on ways to manage their digital footprint.

More Resources from the PenPal Schools Blog
How to Use Technology in the Classroom
​Creating a Learner-Centered Classroom
Five Ways to Enhance a PenPal Exchange
How to Align PenPal Schools to Academic Standards
Six Questions to Ask Before Bringing New Tech to School
​Top Ten Best Edtech Blogs