Creating Weathered Letters
Practice: Get ready for some activities.
Activities are designed to be parent- or teacher-supervised.
Activity 1
Here is a list of the materials and supplies you will need.
- Pencil
- Paper
- Permanent marker
- Coffee or tea
Step One
Children will use paper and permanent markers to tell about a historical Viking event from a child’s point of view as if they were there witnessing the event.
They will use white paper dipped in tea or coffee to help it look old and weathered.
Step Two
Crinkle up and flatten out the white paper several times. Then Dip white paper in coffee or tea and let it dry.
- Write a rough draft with a pencil using the criteria below.
- Rewrite the rough draft on coffee or tea-stained paper.
Step Three
Start the letter: “Dear _____ (or whomever they want to write the letter to).”
- Tell the facts from history in the first person using complete sentences.
- Tell how each part made them feel emotionally (Excited, scared, etc.).
- Also, use imagination and include the five senses. For example, how did it look, smell, and feel? What sounds did you hear, and what did you get to taste?
Activity 2
Watch the video and pay attention to the materials and supplies you will need.
