Today's Classroom Activities :

License Plate Puzzle

License Plate Puzzle
Language Have students collect the messages they see on vanity license plates. Ask them to write the message on the front of an index card as it's written on the plate and to write its long-form interpretation on the back of the card. Let the class exchange cards and see if they can solve the mysteries. Why do people choose to display messages this way? Is there a particular trend? What does it say about language? Is there any relationship between this shorthand and the messages used in Instant Messaging?

Personalized Plates
From Sue Schmitt, an English teacher at Antioch Community High School in Antioch, Illinois:
"The first assignment I give is to have my students describe themselves in eight or less letters and/or numbers. I give them a license plate template and tell them that they need to create a personal plate that best describes an important aspect of their character. They decorate their plates and explain why their choice of letters or numbers fits them. I post the plates around the room so they get to see what their classmates say about themselves. The license plates are always a big hit at parent open house." For more ideas like this one visit www.nea.org.

The racers in the Mammal Marathon have their own vanity license plates. Have your students try to decipher their message.