Letter writing lesson plans encourage understanding of audience, purpose and tone.
Students are always more excited about writing when it has real world applications. For this reason, letter writing activities provide students with perfect opportunities to understand the use of audience, purpose and tone in a variety authentic writing situations.
Business Letter Lesson Plan
Writing a business letter should not be a dry activity. When teachers add modeled writing, role play and reader's theatre, students are more likely to enjoy and remember what they learn.
Don't forget to provide the assessment rubric in advance of the assignment so that students remember the format and written elements of a successful business letter.
Letters to the Editor
Teach students to be citizen activists! The presidential election season provides perfect opportunities for students to research candidates (remember to teach cyber safety!), determine which contenders best fit their own political beliefs and use persuasive writing techniques to encourage others to vote.
Project-based learning activities that culminate in a letter to the editor assignment will allow students to examine their own beliefs and write for a purpose.
Thank You Letters
Teach gratitude and writing skills! Throughout the year ask students to write thank you letters to school volunteers, parents who bring treats to school, cafeteria workers, maintenance staff and adult mentors.
