in2books

Today I'm writing about a wonderful organization that I learned about from my friend Mystique O'Purr. In2books promotes literacy learning in grades 3-5 by having students engage in reading and writing experiences with carefully screened, adult pen pals. The pen pal experience is complemented by the classroom study of genre and genre-related literacy.
From its inception in 1997, in2books has focused on students from low-income, socially diverse neighborhoods. The thought-provoking curriculum includes carefully chosen, high quality and diverse books and proven teaching strategies.
All students are connected with adult pen pals. They select and read 5 books each year and their adult pen pals read the same books. The students and adults exchange 6 online letters each year: one "getting to know you" letter and 5 book letters about the important issues in the books.
All adult pen pals undergo a background check and each of their letters to children must be approved by a teacher before a child reads it, thus ensuring the safety of the children. The adult pen pals are then coached to support classroom instruction. They are provided with many resources including information about letter writing to students, sample letters, suggested vocabulary and thought-provoking questions.
I urge anybody with a little bit of time to get involved with this worthwhile organization. The future of our children is in our own hands.

in2books.epals.com