Teresa's+Letter+to+Parents

Learning Activity 6-D-2

February 19, 2011

Dear Parents,

As you know we have been busy studying our home state of Massachusetts. We will be exploring five different regions of Massachusetts. // What region would you want to live in if you had the chance? Why? //Students will be answering this question after they create a persuasive multimedia presentation to their classmates about a certain region. I want to bring 21st century technology skills into our classroom and believe that this project will get every child excited and motivated about learning.

Students will be broken up into five cooperative groups. Each group will be responsible for researching, planning and sharing key information about their region to the rest of the class. Each group will try and persuade the others that their region is indeed the best region of Massachusetts to live in.

Most our research will be done online. We will use Google search engine to find Chamber of Commerce sites and explore those sites. Groups will also be exposed to Google Earth to “virtually” travel to their region and look at maps. Students will also be using Google Images to download places of interest and use a wonderful online program Animoto to share their persuasive production with their classmates.

During this time, students will use research techniques, work on persuasive writing and practice public speaking while learning our social studies standards…and be using today’s technology to do so.

All of this work will be done at school. You can help by making sure your student does his/her share of the original research and is knowledgeable with the information. They will also have to practice their oral piece of the presentation. We also love volunteers! If you are interested in coming in to help with any aspect of this project please let me know.

We look forward to sharing our projects with you. I will be sending home more information regarding the days and times of our presentation within the next two weeks, so that you can plan for it. Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support with this wonderful project!

Sincerely,

 Teresa Bills

My child and I have read and reviewed this letter. We are familiar with this exciting new project and will do our part at home. My child is also aware that he/she will need to work cooperatively in a group in order to create a wonderful presentation to share.

Parent Signature: _

Student Signature: