Before the video the kids were given blank US maps and asked to fill in as many state names as possible. Then we discussed who knows people in various states. Then the fun part! Each week a student is going to write a letter to someone we know in another state. Either someone they know (aunt, uncle, family friend, etc.) or someone one of the teachers knows. We'll write the letter in a journal and send it. The recipient will write a little letter back, telling us about their state. We are also asking them to send a blank post card to help us decorate the bulletin board.
I love the idea of pen pals and have often thought that when I have a classroom of my own I'd love to do a pen pal project. These days maybe it would be less "pen" and more email and Skype. When my mentor teacher mentioned this project I was thrilled. I think it will be an exciting and different way to learn a little more about the United States.
The other thing I love about this is the spontaneity. This was not part of the long-term plan, or part of the Common Core Curriculum, just something my teacher thought of and decided to do. That kind of creative flexibility is so exciting to me and I can't wait to share a variety of fun ideas with my own classroom someday.
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