Project Pen Pal A Win-Win Service Learning Project for College Students and First-Grade Children

Abstract

This study explores a pen pal project in which college students studying human development are matched with first-grade students beginning to learn letter-writing skills. Analyses of college student final reports indicate that this project facilitated learning by offering an enjoyable authentic learning experience. Furthermore, teacher reports indicated that the first-grade students were highly motivated by the pen pal experience. Recommendations for further developing a pen pal service learning activity are provided.