Mailing May
By: Michael Turner
Illustrated By: Ted Rand
Designed by:  Mandi Wise, Natalie Horn, and Kim Windjak


 



1.  You will need the following materials to complete this lesson:


2.  Before You Read:

A.  In this story, May is mailed through the post office to her Grandmother's.  There are differences between the United States post office and other post offices worldwide.  Check out the New Zealand postal service, and find three characteristics that you think are different from the US postal service.  Next, view the United States postal service.  Read some interesting facts about our mailing system.  What are some differences and similarities between the two postal services you observed?

B.    Think about different types of traveling. After you have formed your own thoughts, take a look at the train museum, and discover facts about the few forms of travel in the early 1900's.
 
 

3.    While You Read:

A.    While you read the story, think about how you and your family receive mail. Compare the postal system now to the postal system that May experienced. Check out mail by rail, and discover how the postal service worked through the railways.

B.  When reading the story, be sure to pay close attention to the events of the book. Test your knowledge of postal events by participating in a postal quiz.
 

4.     Beyond What You Read:

    Take some time to write a letter to a friend or relative. Send the letter through the postal system, and give her or him a copy of the stamp you made. Also, establish your own e-mail account with hotmail at hotmail.com. When you reach this site, be sure and click on "Sign Up Now". After you establish your account, be sure to send another letter to a fellow classmate via e-mail.