I happen to have a student who is a marine and is currently stationed in California, so we'll be sending his unit plenty of letters! We'll also be sharing that with veterans at McGuire VA Hospital in Washington, D.C. I also found other organizations that make sure current soldiers, as well as veterans, receive care packages and letters, so I made note of their addresses as well. This is probably something I'll encourage students to repeat throughout the year as well, not just on a special holiday. I'm excited and I hope the students will be, too!
The books I'll be using for each grade are:
(PK/K/1): Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops by Jill Biden
Coming Home by Greg Ruth
(2/3): Love, Lizzie: Letters to a Military Mom by Lisa McElroy
Veterans Day by Elaine Landau
(4/5): The Wall by Eve Bunting (there's also a Reading Rainbow that goes along with this book that I might be using as well!)
I am using this cute craftivity I originally bought when I taught 2nd grade, and my 2nd and 3rd graders will be creating these this year with their letters:
You can click on the picture to take you to TPT where I bought it. I noticed when grabbing the link she's added a lot more to it, so be sure to check it out! :)
For my PreK, K, and 1st graders, I created a printable booklet, similar to what I shared on this blog last year, but in an easier format (for PreK and K, I have one that is sight words only). There's also an informational book you can share with 1-3, but for time sake, I'm doing it with just my first graders this year. Unlike last year's, this one they'll be able to read and color. :)
For my 4-5th graders, we'll also be writing letters, but on a different template I created. My former student got a little offended with the term "soldier", so we'll also be using "Dear Friend" letter templates as well! Just for you, Jaleel! :)
To check out my packet, click on a picture below, or {here} to take you to Teacher's Notebook.
