Illinois Landmarks Postcards: A Storyboard That Lesson

Q: How can I create a postcard lesson about Illinois landmarks for elementary students?

To create a postcard lesson about Illinois landmarks , use a 2-cell poster template: one cell for a creative image of a landmark and the other for a short note with at least one fact about the site. This hands-on activity helps students learn about Illinois while practicing writing and art skills.

Q: What are some famous landmarks in Illinois suitable for a classroom postcard project?

Popular Illinois landmarks great for student postcards include Lincoln’s New Salem, Shawnee National Forest, The Loop in Chicago, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Anderson Japanese Gardens, and Willis Tower. Each offers unique history or scenery to inspire student creativity.

Q: What facts should students include when describing an Illinois landmark on their postcard?

Students should include at least one interesting fact about their chosen Illinois landmark, such as its history, location, or unique features. This helps recipients learn something new and makes the postcard more informative.

Q: How do I guide students to design an engaging and accurate landmark postcard?

Encourage students to research their landmark for accuracy, use vibrant images or drawings, and write a clear, friendly note. Remind them to include the state name, a fun stamp, and a creative address to personalize their postcard.

Q: Why is making postcards about Illinois landmarks a good classroom activity?

Creating postcards about Illinois landmarks helps students develop research, writing, and artistic skills while fostering pride in their state. It’s a fun, engaging way to learn about geography and history in an interactive format.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

Illinois has so many wonderful places to visit, and postcards are a fun way to let others know about where you’ve been! Using the 2 cell poster template provided, students will create a postcard from Illinois. The written part must include at least one fact about the landmark, and the picture must accurately depict the location.

Some popular tourist attractions in Illinois include Lincoln’s New Salem, Shawnee National Forest, The Loop in Chicago, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Anderson Japanese Gardens, and the Willis Tower.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Due Date:

Objective: Create a postcard from a landmark in Illinois.

Student Instructions

Click on “Start Assignment”.
Create a 2-cell storyboard or use the template provided.
In the left cell, create an image that depicts the landmark or the state in general using an appropriate scene, characters, and items. Be sure to include the state name somehow.
In the right cell, write a note to a friend or family member describing the landmark that you have "visited". You must include at least one fact about the landmark.
On the address lines provided, make up a creative address for the recipient.
Create a fun stamp in the box in the upper right corner.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 3-6

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Postcard

Create a postcard for your assigned location that showcases one or more of its amazing sites and features! Include the name of your location and at least one major point of interest along with an illustration. Add other images to your design that represent attributes of your country such as the flag and/or a stamp that uses the correct currency from your location. Write a letter on your postcard that describes the site and why it is important in at least 4-6 sentences.

	Proficient 6 Points	Emerging 4 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Text	Includes location name, name of famous site and 4-6 sentence letter with an accurate description of the site and why it is important.	Missing one element of text.	Missing two or more elements of text.
Design and Illustrations	Illustration depicts at least one major site of importance. Overall design includes attributes from the location with appropriate scenes, characters or items.	Illustration depicts important site. Design and attributes are present but are unclear or incomplete.	Illustration and design do not depict important sites or attributes of the location.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Some popular tourist attractions in Illinois include Lincoln’s New Salem, Shawnee National Forest, The Loop in Chicago, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Anderson Japanese Gardens, and the Willis Tower.

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Due Date:

Objective: Create a postcard from a landmark in Illinois.

Student Instructions

Click on “Start Assignment”.
Create a 2-cell storyboard or use the template provided.
In the left cell, create an image that depicts the landmark or the state in general using an appropriate scene, characters, and items. Be sure to include the state name somehow.
In the right cell, write a note to a friend or family member describing the landmark that you have "visited". You must include at least one fact about the landmark.
On the address lines provided, make up a creative address for the recipient.
Create a fun stamp in the box in the upper right corner.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 3-6

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Postcard

	Proficient 6 Points	Emerging 4 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Text	Includes location name, name of famous site and 4-6 sentence letter with an accurate description of the site and why it is important.	Missing one element of text.	Missing two or more elements of text.
Design and Illustrations	Illustration depicts at least one major site of importance. Overall design includes attributes from the location with appropriate scenes, characters or items.	Illustration depicts important site. Design and attributes are present but are unclear or incomplete.	Illustration and design do not depict important sites or attributes of the location.

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How Tos about Illinois Landmarks Postcard

Organize a Classroom Postcard Exchange to Deepen Landmark Learning

Invite your students to exchange postcards with another class in a different Illinois city or even out of state. This activity helps students share their research and learn about new landmarks directly from peers.

Find and Connect with a Partner Classroom

Reach out to colleagues, use educator forums, or connect with local schools to find a classroom interested in a postcard exchange. Building these connections can broaden your students' perspectives and foster collaboration.

Set Clear Expectations for Postcard Content

Discuss with students what to include: a landmark image, a fact, a creative address, and a friendly note. Clear guidelines make the exchange meaningful and ensure every postcard is informative.

Mail Postcards and Track Their Journey

Send the postcards and encourage students to track where their cards go using a classroom map. This builds excitement and reinforces geography skills.

Reflect and Share What Was Learned

After receiving postcards, have students present interesting facts or differences about other landmarks. Sharing insights helps reinforce learning and celebrates the diversity of Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois Landmarks Postcard

How can I create a postcard lesson about Illinois landmarks for elementary students?

To create a postcard lesson about Illinois landmarks, use a 2-cell poster template: one cell for a creative image of a landmark and the other for a short note with at least one fact about the site. This hands-on activity helps students learn about Illinois while practicing writing and art skills.

What are some famous landmarks in Illinois suitable for a classroom postcard project?

Popular Illinois landmarks great for student postcards include Lincoln’s New Salem, Shawnee National Forest, The Loop in Chicago, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Anderson Japanese Gardens, and Willis Tower. Each offers unique history or scenery to inspire student creativity.

What facts should students include when describing an Illinois landmark on their postcard?

Students should include at least one interesting fact about their chosen Illinois landmark, such as its history, location, or unique features. This helps recipients learn something new and makes the postcard more informative.

How do I guide students to design an engaging and accurate landmark postcard?

Encourage students to research their landmark for accuracy, use vibrant images or drawings, and write a clear, friendly note. Remind them to include the state name, a fun stamp, and a creative address to personalize their postcard.

Why is making postcards about Illinois landmarks a good classroom activity?

Creating postcards about Illinois landmarks helps students develop research, writing, and artistic skills while fostering pride in their state. It’s a fun, engaging way to learn about geography and history in an interactive format.