What I want for You and every child A Letter from Obama to his Daughters

English Grade 6 – Semester 2Chapter 4

Module Objectives

•Understanding the love, a father shares with his children•Vision of a Country President•Learning new words•What format one should follow to write a letter•How to write complete sentences•Using the right words to convey what do you want to say.•How to expand the short (contracted) forms

A informal Letter

once wrote a letter to his daughters

When did Obama write the letter

Obama was busy with his campaign for the American President Elections. He stayed away from home for long. Both Malia and Sasha were eagerly waiting for their Father Obama to come home and spend time with them.

In this tender, beautiful and emotional letter to his daughters (Malia,10 and Sasha,7), America’s President Obama explains on why he decided to contest for the post of American President and also tells us what he wants for his children.

How does the letter start

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new Puppy. It doesn’t make up all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

There are some new phrases / words…. Let us understand them

• Puppy - a young Dog

• Campaign Trail – Series of things a politician or a political party does to win election

• Parade – Public procession celebrating a special event or day

• Make up for something – Take the place of something that has been lost.

Obama continues in his letter …

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me – about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came in to my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day.

Obama continues in his letter …

And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end girls, that’s why I ran for President; because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

Obama continues in his letter …

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

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Obama continues in his letter …

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions

that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Obama continues in his letter …

These are the things I want for you – to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.

Showing sympathy and concern to

others

Showing sympathy and concern to

others

Grow or develop well, flourish

Grow or develop well, flourish

Obama ends his letter with …

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

LoveDad.

Let us review and answer the Questions below

How old were Obama’s daughters ?Malia was 10 and Sasha was 7.

What fun did Malia and Sasha have when Obama was away for campaign ?Malia and Sasha had fun with a new Puppy.

What is the ‘journey’ that Obama is referring to ?Obama is referring to his campaign for Presidential elections as a Journey.

What fun did his daughters have when he was campaigning for the elections ?Obama’s daughters were going to picnics, parades and state fairs, eating the food they liked.

Let us review and answer the Questions below

What, for Obama, is the greatest joy in life ?The joy of his daughters is the greatest joy for Obama.

What did he think as a young man ?As young man, Obama thought that the life was all about him and how he would make his way in to the world, become successful, get the things he wanted.

What did he realize after the birth of his daughters ?Obama realized that his own life wouldn’t count much unless he ensures that her daughters had the opportunity for happiness and fulfillment.

Why did he contest for the President’s Post ?Obama contested for President’s post to make sure all the children in his nation get the opportunity for happiness and fulfillment. He wanted them to go to schools and colleges that challenge them. He wanted them to get good jobs when they grow up.

Let us review and answer the Questions below

What does he expect his daughters to do ?Obama expects his daughters to grow in to compassionate, committed women who will help to build the world that has no limits for dreams and achievements.

What is the ‘great adventure’ referred to in the letter ?Obama refers to his role as Americal President as great adventure.

How do you feel when you read this letter ?I feel inspired with the words shared by Obama.

Which line appeals to you the most in this letter ?.‘I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have.’

Do it yourself ExerciseLet us review in Small groups and answer the Questions below

How did Obama’s daughters change his view of the world ?.

What does Obama want for all the children ?

Why did Obama write this letter to his daughters ?

Sections in the letter are completely jumbled. Now How do you fix the jumbled letter ?

Your loving niece

Mangalore20 January 2013

I write this letter to thank you for your timely help during my mother’s illness. Dad was out of town and I was alone at home. I was so worried, but you came forward to help me. We had to go to hospital everyday. You helped me a lot in nursing my mother. Thanks once again.

My dear Uncle

Salma

How the Letter should be …

Mangalore20 January 2013

My dear Uncle

I write this letter to thank you for your timely help during my mother’s illness. Dad was out of town and I was alone at home. I was so worried, but you came forward to help me. We had to go to hospital everyday. You helped me a lot in nursing my mother. Thanks once again.

Your loving niece

Salma

Pappu has written a letter to his Grandpa which is incomplete. Let us fill the right words to complete it.

Mysore14 Nov 2012

Dear grandpaMany happy returns of the day. I feel so to have a grandfather like you. I am happy you are blessed with and .

I’m in VI standard now. I’m doing well in my . I take part in different activities in my school. You know, I am selected as the of the class. Grandpa, your pappu will make you feel proud and happy always.

List of words :

grandmalong lifeproudmonitorgood healthstudiestake carehappy birthday

Pappu has written a letter to his Grandpa which is incomplete. Let us fill the right words to complete it.

All is well at home. How’s ? , we’ll come there during Deepavali holidays. Let’s enjoy then!

A very once again, grandpa !.

Yours

Pappu.

List of Words :

grandmalong lifeproudmonitorgood healthstudiestake carehappy birthday

Pappu later completed his letter to his Grandpa. Let us check what words he used to complete it.

Mysore14 Nov 2012

Dear grandpaMany happy returns of the day. I feel so proud to have a grandfather like you. I am happy you are blessed with good health and long life.

I’m in VI standard now. I’m doing well in my studies. I take part in different activities in my school. You know, I am selected as the monitor of the class. Grandpa, your pappu will make you feel proud and happy always.

Pappu later completed his letter to his Grandpa. Let us check what words he used to complete it.

All is well at home. How’s grandma ? Don’t worry, we’ll come there during Deepavali holidays. Let’s enjoy then!

A very happy birthday once again, grandpa ! Take care.

Yours

Pappu.

Written Exercise Let us write a letter in your notebook

Write a letter to your friend or cousin about a story / a play / a TV Programme / a film or something that you liked.Sit in groups. You can read the sample letter given below.

Davanagere26 Feb 2013

My dear Basheer I’m very happy to write to you after a long time. How are you ?. I am sure you are enjoying your school life.You know, I read a story called ‘ Greedy Karodimal ’ in our class. It was very funny. Karodimal, the hero of the story is a miser. Do you want to read the story ?. I can give you my book when you come here. What news at your end ?. Have you got new friends ? Do you remember, Ashwin ?. We always play together and he’s still my best friend. Anyway, love to all. Keep in touch.

Hope you’re doing well. Have a nice time with your family. Lovingly yoursSameer.

Short (Contracted) Forms – Let us read the full forms

In the letter written by Obama there are many short forms (also known as contracted forms). Some of them are given below. Read them aloud.

You’ve - you haveShouldn’t - should not Hasn’t - has not We’ve - we have I’d - I would

Exercise : Find out few more contracted forms from the letter and write their full forms.

Practice reading the following Dialogue aloud

Anil : Would you like to have some ice-cream ?. I’ve got a variety of flavours for you to choose from. I’ve got strawberry, chocolate and vanilla.

Sneha : Wow ! What choices you have ! I wish I would, but I just can’t. I’m on a diet.

Anil : Come on, it’s just a bite. It doesn’t really hurt to have just a bite.

Sneha : I’d better not. Please ! Don’t tempt me.

Anil : Fine, then. I ‘ll give you a piece of cake !

Exercise : You are encouraged to have similar conversation with your friends.

Quote

Wisdom… comes not from age, but from Education and learning.

Anton Chekhov