Pupils may benefit from being given suggested topics to write on. Photographs and other visual aids will supplement and help overcome language difficulties.  However, when using email in particular, UK pupils will need to be warned not to use text messaging styles of communciation, which use ‘sound’-spellings and abbreviations. These are very difficult for non-native speakers to cope with!

• Me. Simple self introduction with a photo.
• My Family. Photograph, family tree, etc.
• My House. Floor plan, photo – including ‘my street’?
• My Hobbies. Including postcards, magazine pictures, drawings, etc.
• My School. Timetable, plan of the school, etc.

Teachers may need to give occasional prods to flagging friendships. Timely suggestions can be helpful, eg. a reminder of a partner’s forthcoming birthday, a prompt to send a postcard from holiday etc. Pupils could be encouraged to make a folder for their link, which can be displayed on open days or in the library, etc.