 As of early March 2020, the COVID-19 coronavirus has kept almost 300 million students out of school around the world. Many schools are planning for the impact of coronavirus by moving instruction online or suspending in-person instruction. The PenPal Schools team is here to support with free access to PenPal Schools for any teachers and students affected by coronavirus. If your school is affected by the coronavirus, mention that you would like assistance next time you join a PenPal topic. Featured Topics for March 2020 This month, we feature two topics that help support students as they learn about and discuss health issues and current events. The Human Body connects students with PenPals to learn about the human body, its systems, common disease and illnesses, and strategies that people in their community use to stay healthy.  “In my community, many people are worried about the Coronavirus. Most of them watch channels like CNN and Fox News, and while these are good sources, they can scare people into overreacting. A reliable source is the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC helps people learn the science behind the Coronavirus.” -PenPal, USA  The World News topic invites students around the world to connect and discuss the current events that impact their communities. In addition to discussing health-related news, students are invited to discuss news related to war and conflict, government, technology, and the environment. Global Poetry Contest March 21st is World Poetry day and to celebrate, you and your students are also invited to join the Global Poetry Contest happening this March on PenPal Schools. Students from around the world are connecting to discuss their favorite poets and share original works of poetry. For inspiration, check out the 2019 Global Poetry Contest winners Naomi and Amelie from New Zealand!  PenPal Stars This month we recognize students from Canada and India who connected with PenPals to discuss daily life, art, and protecting the environment.  In Uttar Pradesh, India, Ms. Ralli makes global education and authentic writing practice a central part of classroom instruction. Ms. Ralli’s young scholars connected with PenPals from the United States, Thailand, Australia, India, Spain, and many others countries to share perspectives and make new friends.  Since joining the PenPal Schools community in 2018, Mr. Knight, a Grade 5 teacher from Canada, and his students have studied mythology from communities around the world, discussed environmental issues, and learned how art can inspire action and bring communities together. This month, we’re excited to highlight two of Mr. Knight’s students for their outstanding work in the Protecting the Planet topic! Every month, more than ten thousand students learn together and share their perspectives on PenPal Schools and our team knows that there are many PenPal stars working hard in other PenPal Schools topics!
Is there a PenPal Star in your classroom? Click here to nominate one of your students to be a featured PenPal Star!
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Laura Rodriguez
5/6/2020 01:59:13 pm
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