The children have just received a letter from Mr. McGregor. It has been sent special delivery and is marked urgent. It is earmarked to the children of your grade level and/or room number. The special effects of placing the letter in a special delivery envelope would really add to the children’s excitement and curiosity.
Make arrangements in advance for someone to deliver he letter to the classroom just about the time you will be introducing the unit on plants. Collaborate with the person to emphasize the “importance” of the letter because it is a “special” delivery marked “urgent”.
Display the letter so that the children can see that it is addressed to the class. (You may wish to take time to discuss the proper way to address and envelope.) Read the letter to the class. If time allows pause briefly after each question so that the children may give some initial responses.