Make+It+Write!


 * Strategy Name:** Make It Write!


 * Strategy Description:** Students write letters to political officials to address current events and issues.


 * Description/Name of the class in which you would use this strategy:** First Grade Writing


 * Rationale:** Providing a purpose for writing always increases the motivation to write. If students are involved in choosing who they want to write to and why, it will give them a direct audience to practice their writing skills with.


 * Procedure:**
 * When discussing a social issue for social studies, such as littering, community, local parks, elections, etc., incorporate the public officials in the state that handle these issues.
 * Have students choose an issue that interests them, and create an email or letter to send to the official affiliated.


 * Diverse Learners:**
 * Because students get to choose who and what to write about based on their interests, this lesson will motivate and accommodate all learners.


 * Potential Issues:**
 * Students may not grasp the concept of how our state's political system works.
 * Students may be disappointed if they don't get a response.


 * Implementation Suggestions:**
 * Be sure that the issues discussed really connect with your students' lives. Abstract concepts will not help them to connect to their writing as well.
 * Discuss formal writing and the audience they are writing to. This isn't a note to their best friend!
 * Make sure the public official is not currently under investigation for criminal activity :)


 * Resources:**
 * //District official search.// Retieved April 25, 2009, from http://www.elections.illinois.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=.
 * Zarrillo, J.J.( 2000). //Teaching Elementary Social Studies: Principles and application.// Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc//.//
 * Zorn, E. (2007, August 13). Here's where to find your state lawmaker's e-mail address.//The Chicago Tribune.// Retrieved April 25, 2009, from http://blogs.chicagotribune.com.