31 Various 2008 <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bright Idea: Pen Pals Promote Literacy</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thanks to the In2Books program, nearly 6,000 Washington, D.C. elementary school students are discussing specially selected books through correspondence with nearly 3,000 adult pen pals whom they never have met. The program, which focuses on grades 2&ndash;5, increases student enthusiasm for books by supervising discussions among students and volunteers. The penpals write each other letters about thought-provoking books, and the program capitalizes on the ensuing excitement by providing in-depth literacy professional development to teachers, as well as reaching out to families in various ways.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> http://www.in2books.com/