Program Description
The In2Books program fosters reading, writing and critical-thinking skills across the curriculum. Students and carefully-screened adult pen pals read books together (chosen by the students from a list compiled by children's literature experts), and write online letters about the books. The complete In2Books program involves six book cycles: “Getting to Know You,” fiction, science, social studies, biography, and traditional tales. Each cycle takes approximately one month to complete.
Timeliness
Performing all aspects of the program in a timely manner enables completion of multiple cycles of In2Books, sustains student enthusiasm and motivation, maintains pen pal interest and commitment, and maximizes the program's impact on student skills. Specifically:
Student letters should be returned within 5 days of receiving adult pen pals letters.
In2Books should be notified promptly if a student departs from the class (to avoid having a pen pal write to an already-departed student.)
Book orders should be approved early in the preceding cycle to minimize the lag time between cycles.
In2Books should be notified promptly if a student departs from the class (to avoid having a pen pal write to an already-departed student.) Book orders should be approved early in the preceding cycle to minimize the lag time between cycles.
Student Ownership
Students' literacy skills and interest in learning increases when they choose their own books and write at least one draft of each letter.
Rich Online Resources
Student Place and Teacher Place are resource-rich websites for members of the In2Books community. If students have ongoing access to Student Place, they can work on their letters independently and reinforce your classroom instruction.
Teacher Approvals
Teachers review and approve all book choices and letters before they are seen by the intended recipients. Teachers can write a note to the pen pals noting any personally identifying and/or inappropriate language.
Dedicated pen pals are an integral and necessary component of student success. Timeliness in responding to pen pals' letters and evidence of student effort encourages deep commitment and effort by the adult pen pals.
Parental Consent
Parental consent is necessary for student participation in the program.
Communications
Ongoing communication with In2Books is essential for successful program implementation.
Accurate contact information, including email addresses, shipping addresses, and class rosters helps the program run smoothly.
Help and support is just an email away at support@in2books.com.
Authorization and Release
I hereby irrevocably grant In2Books, its successors and anyone acting with In2Books (hereafter in2Books) authorization to quote from, reproduce, distribute, display and otherwise use in any manner, any materials or other information created by me or in my classroom (including, but not limited to, lesson plans, letters, and artwork, for illustrative, promotional or other purposes) without any payment to me. I further authorize In2books to take, or authorize the taking of, photographs or videos of me and In2Books, and to publish, display, distribute, modify and otherwise use those photographs and videos for purposes relating to In2Books, without any payment to me.