Pen Pals for Water

Connecting Classrooms, Communities, and Water Across Canada: Through curriculum-aligned, ready-to-teach lessons and a pen pal exchange, Grade 5 and 6 students explore the freshwater that shapes their communities before connecting with another classroom in Canada.

PROGRAM GOAL

Pen Pals for Water helps students discover the lakes, rivers, wetlands, streams, groundwater and watersheds that shape where they live. Through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration, students build water literacy before sharing their learning through a letter exchange with another classroom.

The program encourages students to see their local freshwater as part of a larger story while developing communication skills, environmental awareness, and meaningful connections with peers across the country.

Teachers receive everything needed to confidently deliver the program.

Curriculum-aligned, ready-to-teach lesson plans
Six flexible classroom lessons, including a letter-writing lesson
Optional letter templates and classroom resources
Outdoor freshwater activity ideas
Facilitated classroom matching
Mailing costs covered by Living Lakes Canada
Ongoing support from our team

HOW PEN PALS FOR WATER TEACHES STUDENTS ABOUT FRESHWATER IN CANADA

Unlike a traditional classroom assignment, Pen Pals for Water gives students an authentic audience for their learning.

Students investigate freshwater using lessons that explore watersheds, freshwater ecosystems, water conservation, water in Canada’s history, and the role water plays in daily life. They then reflect on what they’ve learned and share those ideas with other students across Canada.

Through a pen pal exchange, learning continues as students discover another community’s freshwater story and compare experiences from across the country.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Joining Pen Pals for Water is simple.

Register
Complete the online registration form and tell us about your classroom.

Receive Your Resources
Living Lakes Canada provides curriculum-aligned, ready-to-teach lessons, activity guides and letter-writing resources.

Get Matched
We match classrooms based on grade level and class size and facilitate the initial introduction.

Learn
Students learn about freshwater through flexible classroom lessons and activities.

Exchange Letters
Students share what they've learned, receive letters from their partner classroom, and continue learning through another community's perspective.

FLEXIBLE FOR YOUR CLASSROOM

Pen Pals for Water is designed for Grade 5 and 6 classrooms and supports learning outcomes in Science, English Language Arts, and Social Studies.

Whether you're looking for a single classroom activity, a multi-week unit, or a seasonal project, the program is designed to fit your schedule. The modular lessons allow teachers to choose the activities that best meet their classroom needs while encouraging curiosity, reflection, communication, and outdoor learning.

Partners

Pen Pals for Water is proud to partner with Take Me Outside and Eco Schools Canada.

Take Me Outside for Learning Challenge
When you register for Pen Pals for Water, you can indicate your interest in participating in the Take Me Outside for Learning Challenge. We’ll connect you with the Take Me Outside team so you can continue exploring, learning, and connecting with nature throughout the school year.

EcoSchools Canada’s School-to-School Connections
Pen Pals for Water is offered through EcoSchools Canada’s School-to-School Connections, which connects classrooms across Canada through shared learning experiences. Schools participating through EcoSchools can choose Pen Pals for Water as their connection activity, bringing freshwater learning, letter writing, and cross-Canada classroom connections together.