Thompson Middle School Fifth Graders Receive Letter from President Obama

As part of an instructional unit centered on the three branches of government, Hernandez's class decided to write a letter to President Barack Obama. In return, the President sent a signed photograph and personalized letter after students shared their thoughts about ways to improve the country.

During the unit, students completed activities about the duties and importance of each governmental branch.  For the legislative branch, students selected one bill and devised three persuasive reasons that the bill should be turned into a law. When studying the executive branch, students learned the importance of the president’s role and utilized their letter-writing skills. Finally, for the judicial branch, students played the role of Supreme Court justices, weighed arguments, and determined the accuracy of group members’ responses.