Objective:
The students will define Philately and list facts about stamps and stamp collecting.

Materials

• A link to the American Philatelic Society (Just for Kids Area)

• All About Stamps Worksheet

• If possible, bring in a variety of stamps for the students to observe.

Procedure

1. Ask the students if they collect any particular item.  Guide the discussion to stamp collecting as a hobby.  

2. Ask the students what they know about stamps.  List their responses on chart paper or the chalkboard.

3. Share information from the American Philatelic Society web site.  Be sure to include facts which are on the All About Stamps Worksheet.

4. Pass out the All About Stamps Worksheet and have the students complete it for reinforcement.  This can be done individually or as a whole class.

Other Lesson Ideas

1. Include in the above lesson all the different types of objects, people, animals, etc. who have been placed on a stamp.  Use the JustWendy link for pictures.

2. Have a lesson on the Pony Express.  Use one of the following web sites for assistance - AmericanWest or PonyExpressHomeStation.

3. Find examples of stamps from different countries.  Locate these countries on a world map.

4. Have a lesson on the history of mail delivery.

5. Read a nonfiction book about how mail is delivered.  See the Mail Day Home Page for suggestions.  If possible, invite a mail carrier into the classroom to discuss his/her job.