Material expanded and updated August 2001!

In this unique "electronic" book (a pdf document easily readable in Acrobat Reader or any current version of Netscape or Internet Explore browsers), you'll find all the materials and guidelines necessary for an online e-mail exchange. If you are in the "business" of promoting community connections and partnerships (or service learning) whether as a teacher, activists or volunteer manager, this program will serve you.

Developed for a special teaching project between students and senior citizens, the materials and methods can be easily adapted to other subjects and individuals beyond intergenerational exchanges. Examples in the book include lesson ideas for physical education, health, social studies, English, music, business, art. This mini-booklet includes letter-writing lessons (plus letter writing prompts), guidelines to insure safety and privacy, and a follow-up survey about the impact of online exchanges upon the letter writers, plus some specific documentation for intergenerational groups such as methods for recruiting elder penpals and sample letters from seniors and students.

We're always interested in receiving readers' reviews.

(When you've completed the book, remember to e-mail us at and share your review!)

When you work with a volunteer, it is wise to exchange letters of agreement. This way if you have to look back at what you set out to do, it will be as clear as typed ink. A sample agreement I exchanged with Sandra is shown next. We posted mailed copies to each other and kept them on file for the duration of the year.

Table of Contents

Preface  
Introduction   
1. Grandfriends Project Online  
2. How to Recruit Partners  
3. Sample Letters
4. General Letter Writing Techniques
5. Tips for Sustaining the Project
6. Policies, Guidelines, Forms
7. Evaluating the Keypal Project

Concerned about whether you can view an electronic book? Viewing the terms of agreement below is a good test to see if you can easily view electronic books. If you can successfully click on the link and open the table of contents, you should have no problem viewing the book. Terms If you have problems, you probably need to install or upgrade Acrobat Reader. Click on the graphic below to download the latest version from the Adobe website. It is an easy download. They also have a support area if you continue to have problems with viewing.