writing lab :: letters from Revolution

We always pay a visit to colonial and revolutionary America in June and July. This year the kids all picked a persona and wrote letters that they exchanged with their friends. What a fun project! We had explanations of early small pox inoculations, tales of women led relief efforts and sharp shooter tales.

What made this project successful was the promise of trading with other kids (this had a real purpose), the freedom to write about whatever was interesting about the period, and the hands-on aspect. We painted and burned the paper and then used wax seals.

I think this approach would be fun with any time period and a group of kids. Even better would be to actually send the letters (and maybe even packages) through the postal service.

I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July filled with food, explosives and gratitude for the liberties we enjoy.