Activity Overview
New York 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 New York. 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 New York are: Times Square, Empire State Building, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, Lake George, Cooperstown, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks.
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 New York.
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
New York 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 New York. 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 New York are: Times Square, Empire State Building, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, Lake George, Cooperstown, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks.
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 New York.
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 Landmarks of New York State Activity
Organize a classroom postcard exchange with another school
Connect your students with a partner class in another region or state to exchange postcards about local landmarks. This collaborative activity boosts engagement, widens cultural understanding, and brings real-world relevance to your lesson.
Choose a partner classroom for your exchange
Reach out to colleagues, online teacher communities, or school networks to find a class interested in a postcard swap. Sharing details about your project helps attract enthusiastic partners!
Set guidelines and share mailing addresses safely
Establish clear rules for student privacy and address exchange. Work with your administration to follow school policies and ensure families are comfortable with participation.
Schedule time for students to create and mail postcards
Allocate class periods for students to design their postcards, write thoughtful messages, and address envelopes. Consider adding a mini lesson about letter writing or postal systems for extra value.
Celebrate by sharing and reflecting on received postcards
Host a class discussion or display to showcase the postcards your students receive. Encourage them to share what they learned about other places and reflect on similarities and differences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Landmarks of New York State Activity
What is the Landmarks of New York State postcard activity for students?
The Landmarks of New York State postcard activity is a creative project where students choose a famous New York landmark, design an illustrated postcard, and write a note sharing at least one fact about the landmark. This helps students learn about state history and geography in a fun, engaging way.
How do students create a postcard for a New York landmark in this lesson?
Students start the assignment, select a landmark, and use a two-cell storyboard or template. The left cell features a creative drawing of the landmark with the state name, while the right cell contains a note describing their “visit” and at least one fact. They also add a fun stamp and a fictional address.
What are some popular New York State landmarks students can choose for their postcard?
Popular New York State landmarks for this activity include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Empire State Building, Central Park, Niagara Falls, Ellis Island, Lake Placid, Lake George, Cooperstown, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks.
What should be included in the written part of the New York postcard activity?
The written portion must include a brief note to a friend or family member describing the landmark, with at least one factual detail about it, a creative address for the recipient, and a fun stamp in the upper right corner.
Why is creating postcards a good lesson for teaching about New York landmarks?
Making postcards encourages students to research, synthesize information, and express creativity. It helps them remember key facts about New York landmarks and builds communication skills by writing for an authentic audience.
More Storyboard That Activities
New York State Guide
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