Perfect Postcards  NEW!

• PRINT
• EMAIL

 

OBJECTIVE

• Students will use map skills to identify major California geographical features and landmarks
• Students will use research skills and pre-writing tools to write expressive letters about travel by train and landmarks

MATERIALS

• Perfect Postcards (PDF) Student Reproducible
• California Classroom Map (PDF) Reproducible
• 4-5 blank index cards per student (unlined)
• Access to library and/or computers (optional)

REPRODUCIBLES

1. Perfect Postcards  NEW! (PDF)
   
2. California Classroom Map  NEW! (PDF)
   

DIRECTIONS
Background Discussion (15 minutes)

1. Review the California Classroom Map (PDF) with students. Locate and identify the adjacent states and nation (Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Mexico), ocean (Pacific Ocean), and geographical characteristics of California (desert, Redwood forest, Sierra Nevada mountains, etc.).
   
   
2. Discuss the difference between landmarks and geographical features (geographical features are parts of the natural landscape of the Earth, landmarks are points of interest such as cities and historic sites.) Ask: Can a geographical feature be a landmark? (Yes, for example, the Redwood Forest.)
   
   
3. Use a map to find and discuss interesting landmarks or tourist attractions in California. Encourage students to share any personal travel experiences.
   
   
4. Ask: If you lived in San Francisco in 1810 (before the transcontinental railroad was built) and wanted to visit San Diego, how might you get there? (Horseback or wagon) How do you think that trains changed people's travel habits? (It became easier to explore new places in safety and comfort.)

Writing Action (20 minutes)

1. Distribute Perfect Postcards (PDF) Student Reproducible, the California Classroom Map (PDF) Reproducible, and four blank index cards to each student. Read the introduction and directions aloud.
   
   
2. Give students time to conduct research and create their postcards. The following Web sites feature information about many California landmarks that you and your students may use for reference:
   
   
• www.hometownlocator.com/Landmarks.cfm?StateFIPS=06
• www.california.worldweb.com/Photos/LandmarksandHistoricSites
• www.californialandmarks.com
• www.ohp.parks.ca.gov
• www.amtrak.com
• www.visitcalifornia.com
  
  
3. Instruct students to create colorful posters featuring their postcards, train schedules, and California classroom map to bring their journeys to life.

Active Wrap-up (10 minutes)

Review the posters as a class. Point out unusual observations and discuss how particular, active and descriptive word choices enhance specific postcards.

Global Trek
Students travel to countries around the world without ever having to leave their classroom.

The Rise of Railroads
Students will use research techniques to investigate the role of railroads throughout American history. Students will write a research report...

Amazing Facts about My City and State
Imparts a geography lesson plan focused on interesting facts about the city and state in which students live. The lesson uses reading and research...

ARTICLE	10 Homeschool Lessons in the car 10 homeschool lessons you can teach your child in the car. Teach your kid about math, spelling, geography, signs, and safety lessons right in the car.
UNIT PLAN	Blast from the Past Travel Guides Offers an engaging project for classes studying ancient Roman civilization. Students peform research and present their findings in the form of...