Teacher Process
This webquest may take one week (five class periods) to complete.
Suggested timeline:
Day 1: In the computer lab, divide students into groups of 3, have them read over the webquest and decide their family roles. They may begin researching.
Day 2: In the computer lab, continue researching. Have them complete the journal page by using the supply list and the websites.
Day 3: Share their journal entries/supply list with group members. Discuss what they would like to include in the letter.
Day 4: Make changes to journal entries. Write the first draft of the letter.
Day 5: Revise/edit the letter. Write a final draft. Share with group members.
*Depending on computer/internet availability, the timeline may vary. The students may be able to complete some of the tasks on the same day by using multiple class periods to do this. Students may also use books, encyclopedias, or other paper resources for their research.
It may be helpful to use this webquest when studying the Western or Midwestern regions of the United States. It ties in nicely with westward expansion and Lewis and Clark. Transportation to the west may also be discussed.
The fourth grade students should have background knowledge on how to write a friendly letter. They should be familiar with the five parts of the letter: address, greeting, body, closing, and signature. The students should also be encouraged to be creative when writing their letters. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Invent a fictional address to send the letters.
2. Create the paper that they will use to write their letters to look old-fashioned, as it may have looked in the 1800s.
3. Imagine that you are actually writing to a family member. The names of Charlie, Martha, and Bobby can be changed.