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Dear Mr. President

 

Subjects

  • Language Arts

Grades

  • K-2
  • 3-5
  • 6-8

Brief Description

Students write letters to the president. Ask them to include goals they would like to see the administration achieve and good wishes to the president and his family.

Objectives

Students

  • learn the parts of a letter.
  • use correct grammar and spelling to write a letter.
  • learn the difference between a friendly letter and a business letter.
  • learn the meaning of the word inauguration.

Keywords

president, inauguration, letter, writing, goals

Materials Needed

  • teacher- and student-researched media sources about the new president
  • writing paper
  • pens or pencils
  • chalkboard and chalk
  • envelopes (optional)
  • computer(s) with Internet access (optional)

Lesson Plan

Introduction for younger students:

  • Show students a picture of the president from a print or an online source. Ask students to name the person in the picture.
  • Explain the meaning of the word inauguration.

Introduction for older students:

  • Have students research print and/or online sources for photos and general background information about the president and the inauguration.
  • Have students share their research with the class. Discuss the meaning of the word inauguration.

For all students:

  • Say to students: "Imagine that you have been asked to make a list of goals for the president. What would those goals be?" Write students' responses on the board.
  • Tell students that they are going to write letters to the president, include the goals they discussed, and send good wishes to the president and his family.

Variations:

  • For primary students: Work together as a class to write the letter(s).
  • For elementary students: Assist students in starting their letters. You might offer the introductory paragraph, or part of an opening sentence that students will finish on their own.
  • For older students: Discuss the differences between a friendly letter and a business letter. Ask students which form they should use for a letter to the president of the United States. Have students write their letters.

Extension: Provide envelopes and let students send their letters to the White House. Check the Write to the White House section of the White House 101 Web site for instructions on how to write to the president of the United States.

Variation for primary and elementary students: Address envelopes for students or show students how to address envelopes.
Variation for older students: If needed, review how to address an envelope.

Assessment

Evaluate students' letters.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World

Submitted By

Lois Lewis

 

Last updated 1/19/2017