There are so many things that fascinate me about young little people – one of which is that they have a very hard time seeing beyond their little world! But as teachers, we know how important it is to expand our students’ minds and help them understand that there’s a vast world beyond their classroom and home walls.
One of my favorite ways to do this is through our annual Postcard Project. This project encourages students to connect with family, friends, and people from all over the world by collecting postcards, which become windows into different cultures, locations, and environments.
What is the Postcard Project?
The idea behind the Postcard Project is simple yet powerful. Each year, I ask my students’ families to reach out to their friends and family, requesting that they send a postcard to our classroom. These postcards can come from anywhere — their hometown, a travel destination, or even a local tourist spot. The main goal is to give students a tangible way to explore geography, culture, and the uniqueness of other places.
How the Postcard Project Works
Introducing the Project
I start by explaining to the students what a postcard is {you’d be surprised at how many haven’t seen one before!} and how it can be a snapshot of a place. We talk about different locations, climates, and landmarks they might see on postcards.
Writing the Request
We draft letters together, asking family and friends to participate in the project. We practice writing skills while making sure to include details like our classroom address, a polite request for postcards, and an explanation of why we’re doing the project.
If you’d prefer to skip this step, you can simply send home a generic letter like the one below for students to share {keep reading and I’ll even share the template freebie!}
Receiving the Postcards
Once the postcards start arriving, the excitement in the room is contagious!
Each time we get a new card, we read it aloud, look at the picture, and talk about the place it came from and discuss any new information we’ve learned from the sender about the special place.
We locate this place on a map and discuss its special features. I give my students a copy of a world map and US map {the freebie also includes a Canadian map} Students then color the corresponding place on his/her map to note that we’ve received a postcard from that part of the world.
Displaying the Postcards
We dedicate a bulletin board or wall space to display the postcards. It becomes a colorful and diverse representation of the world!
I suggest purchasing a large laminated world map and “push pin” stickers {which can be removed since the map is laminated}
Why The Postcard Project is Perfect for 1st and 2nd Graders
At this age, students often have trouble understanding that there is a great big world beyond their little world. The Postcard Project taps into their sense of wonder and excitement about the world around them. Here are a few benefits of the Postcard Project:
- Real-world connections: Students learn that the world is much bigger than their immediate surroundings, which helps foster global awareness.
- Geography skills: The project reinforces map skills as we locate where each postcard comes from.
- Cultural appreciation: Students gain exposure to different traditions, landmarks, and ways of life.
- Writing practice: The letter-writing aspect of the project allows students to practice their writing in a meaningful way.
Tips for Teachers
- Start early: Reach out to parents at the beginning of the school year to give them plenty of time to gather postcards.
- Use social media: Encourage parents to share your request on their own social media, expanding the reach and increasing the chances of postcards from more distant locations.
- Incorporate technology: If you want to expand beyond physical postcards, consider accepting digital postcards via email. This can open the door to receiving cards from even more unique locations {and quicker!}
Ready to get started? Grab all the freebies to get started on the Postcard Project here!
The Postcard Project is one of those activities that brings the world into your classroom in such a tangible way. It sparks curiosity, builds connections, and brings a lot of joy to your students as they learn about the places beyond their town. Whether you’re a classroom teacher or a homeschooling parent, this is an easy and impactful project that students will remember for years to come!
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