Dear President Obama
Subject: Language Arts
Grade:
K-2,
3-5,
6-8
Brief Description
Students write letters to the president. Ask them to include goals they would like to see the administration
achieve and good wishes to the president and his family.
Objectives
Students
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learn the parts of a letter.
use correct grammar and spelling to write a letter.
learn the difference between a friendly letter and a business letter.
learn the meaning of the word inauguration.
Keywords
president, inauguration, letter, writing, goals
Materials Needed
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teacher- and student-researched media sources about the new president
writing paper
pens or pencils
chalkboard and chalk
envelopes (optional)
computer(s) with Internet access (optional)
Lesson Plan
Introduction for younger students:
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Show students a picture of the president from a print or an online source. Ask students to name the
person in the picture.
Explain that on January 20, 2009, Barak Obama will begin his term as the 44th president of the United
States. Explain the meaning of the word inauguration.
Introduction for older students:

Have students research print and/or online sources for photos and general background information
about the president and the inauguration.
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Have students share their research with the class. Discuss the meaning of the word inauguration.
For all students:
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Say to students: "Imagine that you have been asked to make a list of goals for the president. What
would those goals be?" Write students' responses on the board.
Tell students that they are going to write letters to the president, include the goals they discussed, and
send good wishes to the president and his family.
Variations:
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For primary students: Work together as a class to write the letter(s).
For elementary students: Assist students in starting their letters. You might offer the introductory
paragraph, or part of an opening sentence that students will finish on their own.
For older students: Discuss the differences between a friendly letter and a business letter. Ask
students which form they should use for a letter to the president of the United States. Have students
write their letters.
Extension: Provide envelopes and let students send their letters to the White House. Check the Write to
the White House section of the White House for Kids Web site for instructions on how to write to the
president of the United States.
Variation for primary and elementary students: Address envelopes for students or show students how
to address envelopes.
Variation for older students: If needed, review how to address an envelope.
Assessment
Evaluate students' letters.
Lesson Plan Source
Education World
Submitted By
Lois Lewis
National Standards
Language Arts:
NL-ENG.K-12.1
NL-ENG.K-12.4
NL-ENG.K-12.5
NL-ENG.K-12.6
NL-ENG.K-12.7
NL-ENG.K-12.8