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Perfect Postcards: Illinois Lesson PlanPerfect Postcards: Illinois Lesson Plan
Publisher
Scholastic
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
4th
Subjects
Social Studies & History
1 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
3 days
Instructional Strategies
Direct Instruction
2 more...
Technology
Internet Access
Year
2020
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Lesson Plan

Perfect Postcards: Illinois

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Perfect Postcards: Illinois lesson plan also includes:
  • Perfect Postcards
  • Illinois Classroom Map
  • Join to access all included materials

Connect the geography and history of Illinois using an art-centered lesson on the railroads. The railroad connected once-distant places, particularly in the Midwest. Using research, class members create postcards of fictional cross-state railroad trips. To showcase the highlights, they invite families to see what they experienced on their trips.

19 Views 10 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable

Concepts

illinois, illinois history, railroads, the transcontinental railroad, traveling, american history, state geography

Additional Tags

social studies

Instructional Ideas

  • Adapt the lesson plan to profile the role of the railroad and landmarks in each state
  • Use research and discussion to create postcards that highlight Illinois's landmarks 

Classroom Considerations

  • Lesson plan does not include recommended books for student research

Pros

  • Lesson plan builds research skills
  • Activities integrate art into history

Cons

  • Some research links are no longer live
  • Resource includes an Amtrak ad and promotional materials

Common Core

RI.4.9 RI.4.10

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