Email in the Elementary Classroom

We talked a little at our last meeting about how email accounts for students could be beneficial instructionally. Below are just a few notes that I jotted down (I also mentioned these in an earlier post). I’m sure there are many more instructional uses for student email, and I’ll look forward to seeing your ideas!

Reasons for email in elementary:
• Literacy (read, write, type) Any time we ask students to convey thoughts into words they are working on their literacy skills.
• Peer review / peer collaboration projects
• Mentoring between older/younger students
• Pen pals (with immediate feedback)
• Contact experts

Here are a few TEKS that I think could be addressed using email. What others do you think would apply?

• LA TEKS:

o Writing/purposes. The student writes for a variety of audiences and purposes and in a variety of forms.
o Write to communicate with a variety of audiences.
o Writing/grammar/usage. The student applies standard grammar and usage to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.
o The student produces visual images, messages, and meanings that communicate with others.
o Produce communications using technology or appropriate media.

• TECH APPS TEKS:
o Solving problems. The student uses research skills and electronic communication, with appropriate supervision, to create new knowledge. The student is expected to:
o use communication tools to participate in group projects
o participate with electronic communities as a learner, initiator, contributor, or mentor.
o Communication. The student formats digital information for appropriate and effective communication.