So this isn't totally travel related, but it kind of is so I thought I would post because I think it is a great idea to get some motivate the next generation of travelers!!

This was in our daily paper:

To the editor:
The fourth grade at Aviston Elementary located in Southern Il, is learning about the US.

The kids in class think it would be fun to receive postcards, souvenirs, resources or any information about our great country from each of 50 states.

We hope that people who read this letter will be interested in mailing our class items pertaining to their state.

Our address is 4th grade at Aviston Elementary, 350 South Hull Street, Aviston, IL 62216.

A sincere thank you to anyone who is able to contribute.

Signed,
Mrs. Niemeyer and the 4th grade class.

How about assigning a state to each child and have them write to the Tourist Department of that state to get info. They can then do a report on some of the key sights.

(We did this in fifth grade- but each had to take a country and do a 15 minute oral report - illustrated with maps and other info. (I drew Argentina and remember writing to the the UN embassy for info - and doing a map with the pampas covered with little cow pictures.)

I'm taking down the address. I'd be thrilled to help. I'll be sending something soon.

21 days til Kaua'i8-)

I did a similar project about the state of Utah (I'm from New York State) in fifth grade. The Tourist Dept. was more than happy to help -- they sent me huge amounts of information. It's a fun project, I remember really enjoying it.

Exactly - will get the kids much more involved - and help them learn how to do research - than just having people send them stuff.

It must be a fifth grade thing--we had the same project, but had to send letters requesting information the the governor of the state.

The only problem: the variety of responses and the timing of responses. Some kids got responses in a week or two. Some got a single brochure while others got thick packets of information including state flags suitable for display.

I didn't get my response until the first day of sixth grade--it had arrived over the summer. And all Gov. Reagan of California sent me was a roadmap.

Interesting to me as I grew up 5 miles from Aviston. But I have to agree with those who've said this seems to be kind of an odd way to go about it.

I'm still in state but may send something from this area in case they're interested in learning about other parts of Illinois.

I will also send them a postcard from my upcoming travels!

I think it is a great addition to a curriculum!

I got a really nice thank you note from the kids in IL today. They seem really excited to learn about different destinations.

Great Idea...I will send something. My niece did a flat susie/stanley on vacation piece in NY...She sent susie to me and I took susie to Fiesta!

The class had a great time doing the project and they were able to learn about the customs of other areas

Sent a post card from Montana, never heard back!

I took down the address. How fun