The third graders at Tri County Elementary have been busy traveling across the country, without even leaving their classroom! As part of an exciting social studies unit, students have been learning about the five regions of the United States: the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West.
Throughout the unit, students have explored each region’s geography, climate, landmarks, and natural resources. They discovered how the rocky coastlines of the Northeast differ from the deserts of the Southwest and how the Great Plains of the Midwest stretch across states like Nebraska.
As a special project, each student selected a state to research. After gathering facts about their state, students designed their own creative “state plate.” The plates feature state mottos, nicknames, and facts that represent what makes each state unique.
One of the most exciting parts of the unit has been our postcard exchange with people from across the country. Each letter gives students a glimpse into life around the nation, including popular attractions, interesting landforms, common weather, and other fun local facts. Some of our messages have included special surprises like bracelets, Christmas ornaments, stickers, and even Idaho potato chips! So far, the class has received messages from most of the country, with only seven states left to go!
In addition to collecting postcards, students have been practicing their letter writing skills by responding to the people that have written to the class. In their letters, they proudly share interesting facts about Nebraska and their favorite things about living in Nebraska.
With just seven states left to collect, the class eagerly checks the mail each day, hoping their final states will arrive soon and complete their map of the United States!
