Activity Overview
California has so many wonderful places to visit, and postcards are a fun way to let others know about where you’ve been! In this activity, students will create a postcard from California. 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 California are: Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Lego Land, Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, and Redwood National and State Parks.
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 California.
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.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
Activity Overview
California has so many wonderful places to visit, and postcards are a fun way to let others know about where you’ve been! In this activity, students will create a postcard from California. 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 California are: Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Lego Land, Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, and Redwood National and State Parks.
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 California.
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.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
How Tos about California Landmark Postcard
Gather engaging facts for your California postcard
Collect interesting and age-appropriate facts about your chosen California landmark before students begin writing. This ensures each postcard includes accurate information and sparks curiosity!
Model how to sketch a simple landmark scene
Demonstrate drawing a basic outline or cartoon of a famous California site on the board. Show students it doesn’t need to be perfect—just recognizable and creative!
Guide students to brainstorm creative postcard messages
Lead a class brainstorming session on fun, friendly ways to start their postcard notes. Encourage use of descriptive words and personal touches to make each message unique.
Teach how to make up imaginative addresses
Explain that students can invent playful addresses for their postcard recipients (e.g., '123 Sunshine Lane, Funville, CA'). This adds creativity and practice with address formatting!
Incorporate peer review for postcard drafts
Pair students to swap postcard drafts and offer positive feedback or suggestions. This helps improve writing and builds classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about California Landmark Postcard
What is the California landmark postcard activity for students?
The California landmark postcard activity is a creative lesson where students design a postcard featuring a famous California landmark. They must draw an accurate picture of the site and write a note including at least one fact about the landmark.
How do I guide students to create a postcard from a California landmark?
Guide students by having them choose a California landmark, use a two-cell storyboard or template, draw the landmark with the state name in one cell, and write a note with a factual description and a creative address in the other cell.
What are some popular California landmarks students can use for their postcards?
Popular California landmarks for postcards include Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Lego Land, Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, and Redwood National and State Parks.
What should be included in the written part of the California postcard project?
The written part should include a note to a friend or family member about the landmark visited, featuring at least one interesting fact and a creative address for the recipient.
What grade levels is the California landmark postcard lesson best suited for?
This postcard activity is best for students in grades 3–6, making it ideal for elementary and early middle school classrooms.
More Storyboard That Activities
California State Guide
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