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Take Action Project: Letter to Congress

Summary:

Students will learn how to write a compelling letter to Congress to compel their representative to take action. Students meet a state representative and learn three strategies for writing a standout letter: the ask (clear topic and focus), head and heart (strong, persuasive evidence), and the use of art to stand-out. Students then identify their Congressional representative and write their letter to Congress. Many of our students receive letters from their representatives in response, making this a very compelling project. 

Final Project

Write and produce a letter to Congress that persuades Congresspeople to take action. 

Connections to Other Resources

This take action project is used in the Save the Elephants full project. 

Overview & Materials

Subject: ELA, art, science

Grade: 3-5

Student Handouts (Download)

Materials Needed:

  • Colored pencils or markers 
  • Envelope 
  • Stamp
  • Any craft materials
  • Scissors 
  • Glue
  • Balloons (optional) 

Project Materials

Student Lessons

Project Notebook

Aligned Standards

Common Core Reading (CCSS):

  • CCRA.R.5: Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
  • CCRA.R.6: Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
  • CCRA.W.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
  • CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • CCRA.W.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
  • CCRA.W.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

National Arts Standards:

  • Anchor Standard #1. Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
  • Anchor Standard #2. Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
  • Anchor Standard #3. Refine and complete artistic work.
  • Anchor Standard #4. Select, analyze and interpret artistic work for presentation.
  • Anchor Standard #5. Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
  • Anchor Standard #6. Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

Course Content

Letter Writing Strategies
Writing Your Letter
Share and Reflect