You’ve Got Mail!

To: Emma Grace 
 
From: Jake  
   
Re: Recess?

Even SOME kindergartners now have e-mail accounts, as more educators across the country believe the future demands a techno-fluency that starts with “send and receive” at an early age.

In Suffield, Connecticut, a $20,000 system allows first-graders to send messages, e-mail work assignments, and chat on online discussion boards. Other districts start with kindergartners.

Still, the decision does come with some risk. What happens when Emma sends an “e-mail bomb” to Jake and crashes his computer or—more likely—an inappropriate or threatening message? Also, at a certain age, students will prefer their own accounts— say, ILoveSchool@hotmail.com? LOL.