First Graders Connect with International School of Curacao
In September 2009, a connection was made between The International School of Curacao and Lake Ridge Academy’s First grade class when Nelya Schasfoort announced she would spend three months abroad. With support and encouragement from Lake Ridge Academy’s administration and faculty, the relationship has flourished. Lake Ridge Academy’s First grade teacher, Katie Schulz, and Miss Nordby from The International School of Curacao, partnered to make this transition part of their respective class’ curriculum.
To date, the students have strengthened their writing skills by corresponding via numerous pen pal letters and emails and exploring each other’s cultures, weather, and geography. Miss Nordby, who welcomed Nelya to Curacao in January, notes, “There is no more authentic purpose for writing than to write a letter to a pen pal! It has been very motivating for my students to write to their new friends in Ohio. One of my most reluctant writers continues to write more frequently, faster, and better than he ever has and it is all thanks to this ongoing project between our first grade classes!”
The classes are planning an Internet chat prior to Nelya’s return to Lake Ridge Academy after spring break. Bart Schasfoort and Karen Stary, Nelya’s parents, are extremely grateful for the cooperation between the two schools. Karen says this unique opportunity has provided her children with once-in-a-lifetime experiences including going 400 feet down in a submarine and walking along the salt mines in the moonlight.
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