Pen Pals for Water
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answer to your question below
About Pen Pals for Water
Pen Pals for Water is a classroom-to-classroom learning program that connects students with another classroom to explore freshwater, watersheds, and their local environment through lesson activities and a student letter exchange. Students learn about their own local water systems while sharing what they discover with their partner classroom.
Pen Pals for Water is designed for Grade 5 and 6 students across Canada, but the program is flexible! We currently have teachers from Grades 1–8 participating and adapting the lessons and activities to suit their students’ ages and learning needs.
Yes! There is no cost for participating classrooms, and if needed mailing costs can be covered by Living Lakes Canada.
Time & Teacher Commitments
The program is flexible and can fit within your classroom schedule. Teachers can choose how many of the lessons and activities they would like to complete and how quickly they move through them. The main requirement is that the pen pal exchange takes place sometime during the school year and that the timing is coordinated with your matched classroom.
No. The lesson plans are designed to support the Pen Pals for Water experience, but teachers may adapt the activities to suit their classroom, schedule, and student needs.
We review registrations weekly and will follow up with the lesson plans, activities, and other program resources you need to get started. We’ll also begin working on matching your class with another participating classroom in Canada. If it takes a little longer to find a classroom that is a good fit, we’ll keep you updated along the way.
How the Program Works
Participating classrooms are matched based on factors such as grade level, class size, and location. Once a match is found, both teachers will receive an email introducing them and sharing information about their partner classroom.
Once introduced, teachers connect directly to coordinate timelines, choose their exchange format, and decide how to pair students. Teachers facilitate the exchange based on the needs of their classrooms, including managing uneven class sizes by having students work in pairs or small groups when needed. Living Lakes Canada is available throughout the process to help with coordination, answer questions, and support teachers in making the exchange work for both classrooms.
Teacher Support & Resources
Participating teachers receive access to ready-to-use lesson plans, activities, curriculum connections, and supporting resources to help guide students through the Pen Pals for Water experience. If you are a registered teacher, please visit our Teacher Resource Page to access the lesson plans and curriculum connections.
No prior knowledge is required. The program provides lesson plans and resources to help teachers guide their students through the activities.
Yes! Living Lakes Canada is here to support teachers throughout the program. We’ll provide check-ins along the way, and teachers are welcome to reach out at any time with questions, concerns, or if they need additional support. You can contact us at waterconnections@livinglakescanada.ca.
Outdoor Learning & Accessibility
No! The program encourages students to explore and learn about the water systems in their own communities, wherever they live. The lesson plans include optional outdoor learning activities, but these are not required to participate. Teachers can choose and adapt activities based on their local environment, available outdoor spaces, and what works best for their classroom.
No, there are no class size requirements for participation. We will pair each cohort with a partner classroom accordingly.
Before You Sign Up
Pen Pals for Water is designed to give students an opportunity to learn about freshwater and their local environment with another classroom. Teachers receive lesson plans and supporting resources, and Living Lakes Canada will provide information about next steps after an expression of interest is submitted.
If you have questions about whether the program is a good fit for your class, please contact Kaite at waterconnections@livinglakescanada.ca.
