Postcard+Exchange+Project

After joining a 50 state postcard exchange, students bring in picture postcards of their state to send to other classes in other states. As a class, an informative paragraph about the students’ own state is composed. The paragraph can be handwritten onto the postcards, or printed on paper and glued onto the postcards, or printed on label paper and stuck onto the postcards. The leader of the exchange sends the addresses of all the classes in the exchange to the various teachers. Address labels are made. The postcards from all states are mailed on a preset date. Once the postcards start arriving from the other states various learning activities may take place. Cards can be tracked as to arrival. Students may label and color states on a map of the U.S. as the cards arrive. Cards can be placed on a large map of the United States. Information sheets about the states can be completed with information from the postcards and/or from researching about the states.
 * Postcard Exchange Project **
 * Project Description and Procedures **

1. Teacher joins a postcard exchange representing state (Colorado). 2. Students bring in enough picture postcards of the state for everyone on the exchange (50 states). 3. The class composes an informative paragraph about their state and community. 4. Teacher prints paragraph onto label paper. 5. Students stick paragraph labels and address labels onto postcards. 6. Put stamps onto the postcards. 7. Mail the postcards on a preset day. 8. As the postcards arrive from the other states, complete a Postcard Tracking form (state, capital, one interesting fact about the state from the postcard). 9. As the postcards arrive, students may label and color the state(s) on a United States map. 10. Cards can be placed on a large wall map of the United States. Attaching the cards with yarn allows both sides to be read. 11. Students can be assigned certain states. 12. Reports may be written about the states with information from the postcards and from research.

** Postcard Exchange Project ** ** Standards and Objectives ** G.1 Students know how to use and construct maps, globes, and other geographic tools to locate and derive information about people, places, and environments. · Label and identify the 50 states on a map of the United States · Identify a political map of the United States G.4 Students understand how economic, political, cultural, and social processes interact to shape patterns of human populations, interdependence, cooperation, and conflict. · Compare and contrast communities across the United States · Compare and contrast states across the United States C.2 Students know the structure and function of local, state, and national government and how citizen involvement shapes public policy. LA.1 Students read and understand a variety of materials (nonfiction material). · Summarize text passages · Fit materials into an organizational pattern LA.2 Students write and speak for a variety of purposes and audiences. · Write in a variety of modes (expository pieces) · Organize writing with a beginning, middle, and end; main ideas and supporting details · Create a legible document LA.3 Students write and speak using conventional grammar, usage, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. · Use correct grammar · Write in complete sentences · Use capitalization at the beginning of sentences, for proper nouns, and for the pronoun I  ·  Use correct punctuation to end sentences · Use correct spelling of age-appropriate high-frequency words, regular plurals, and phonetic spelling for difficult words LA.4 Students apply thinking skills to their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. LA.5 Students read to locate, select, and make use of relevant information from a variety of media, reference, and technological sources. 1. The ability to use technology in God-pleasing ways for ministry and personal productivity, and in keeping with good digital citizenship practices. 2. The ability to analyze information and sources critically for accuracy and relevancy. 4. The ability to communicate effectively through the written word. 5. The ability to collaborate effectively with others – even those whom you may not personally know. 6. The ability to be self-motivated to be a life-long learner. 7. The ability to create, innovate, and problem solve independently and collaboratively. 8. The ability to act and think globally.
 * __ Colorado Social Studies Standards __**
 * Identify the basic functions of national, state, and local governments.
 * __ Colorado Language Arts Standards __**
 * __ Shepherd of the Hills 21st Century Skills __**