This time of year, many students will be focusing on the holidays and preparing presents for their families. My school is hosting a holiday “boutique” where students can buy gifts and many teachers will ask young students to craft persuasive essays to convince reluctant parents to buy just the right toys (a la A Christmas Story).
This year, there are two wonderful organizations that you can support through student writing efforts: the Red Cross and the Make a Wish Foundation.
Macy’s-sponsored Believe campaign asks children (anyone, really) to write letters to Santa. For every letter delivered to a Macy’s mailbox, the store will donate $1 to the Make a Wish Foundation.
The Red Cross encourages writers to send holiday cards to veterans, servicemembers, and military family members. Students can create cards and mail them through this program by simply sending them to the Red Cross for redistribution.
Both of these opportunities are perfect for this time of year: full of gratitude and optimism and, most importantly, Language Arts. Social studies (supporting the troops, civic pride) and Visual Arts (designing and creating holiday art) extensions are simple and parents will appreciate that students are acting charitably with their schoolwork.
So, if you’re still looking for holiday writing activities and haven’t found just the right one, consider these opportunities. If you’ve already got plans, file these ones away for next year — and share what’s on your agenda.
Amanda is currently seeking her California teacher credentials where she one day aspires to teach.
