With the use of computers, texting and digital communication, letter writing has been pushed to the wayside. Yet, reinforcing letter-writing skills is important. To make it more enjoyable, set up a pen pal system with another school either in your area or even across the world. Check for websites that help link students with other students. Teach the proper way to compose a letter, and encourage students to edit what they write.
Students can either create a fictional or an actual business. During the process, they will need to write a manual on how to start this business. Show students what a real manual looks like so they will know what to do. They will also need to write an advertisement and an editorial or newpaper piece about the business as the activities promote different types of formal writing.
Use grocery store ads or go online for catalogs. Tell students they have a certain amount of money to spend and must purchase certain items for a party or other function. Students must figure out how to get the most for their money and also calculate how many items they will need and how much they will cost.
The garden is a tried-and-true hands-on learning experience in science and other subjects. Students can research what plants grow best in their area. For math, let them work out how many seeds to plant in a certain area for the greatest produce yield. Keep journals on plant growth and what seeds seem to thrive and which do not.