Write a letter to the President as a language arts, social studies or history lesson.
Source:
http://www.education.com/activity/article/write-letter-president-president-day/
**For a younger age the letter can be a collaborative class letter written by the teacher
Professional communication and letter writing is an important middle to high school skill that will give your child confidence as she applies to colleges in a few years and help her find success in the business world. Help your child practice this crucial adult skill and spark her interest in civic engagement and current events by encouraging her to write a letter to the President about an issue that concerns or interests her. This is a great opportunity to talk to your child about national and world events and teach her the importance of understanding what's going on in the world around her.
What You Need:
- Computer and printer
- Heavy white paper (try using resume paper)
- Black pen
- Envelope
- Stamp
What You Do:
- Before your child begins her letter, have her go to the White House's online contact form to see how easy it is to email the president or his staff. The Obama administration promotes accessibility and openness and encourages citizens to contact the White House with any questions, comments, or concerns they might have.
- Discuss current political issues with your child to help her decide on the subject of her letter. Encourage your child to find a topic that interests her and that she can relate to. For example, if a member of your family suffered during the recession, your child could write a letter explaining the family member's story. Other topic ideas include the rising cost of college tuition or the environment.
- Help your child type up her letter on the computer. Make sure your child dates the letter, puts your address, her email address, and the recipient's address on the letter, leaves the proper amount of space between each section, and types her name at the end. Look online for an example of a professional letter if you need help. Don't forget to use spell check!
- Print out the letter on a sheet of heavy white paper. Have your child sign the letter in pen just above her typed signature, then fold it and place it in the envelope.
- Address the envelope to the White House: The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500
- Now stamp the envelope, and place your letter in the mail!
