This mini-lesson about informal letter writing is packed with a lot of information about writing a friendly letter. Class members begin by working in pairs to answer questions after reviewing letter models. Then, take part in a grand conversation about letter writing and all that it entails. Next, read alouds take center stage as pupils listen carefully and examine parts of letters, sentence variety, word choice, and tone. Finally, it's your writers' turn to do some writing! Using a letter writing guide and checklist, learners write and review a friendly letter.

Concepts

letter writing, friendly letters, writer's workshop, sentence variety, word choice, greetings, tone

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Coordinate pen pals with a fellow teacher and their class from a different school to exchange friendly letters 
• Discuss how letters can be written and sent via paper mail or email; give scholars the option to write one or the other 
• Use these activities as a center, or centers, during your English language arts period

Classroom Considerations

• Acquire Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel, or Dear Annie by Judith Caseley prior to implementing the lesson  

Pros

• The lesson is organized clearly with hyperlinks to most additional materials required to complete the lesson 
• Teacher letter editing is accompanied with an informative website about the reviewing method referenced in the lesson 

Cons

• Typos are visible but to not take away from understanding the text

Common Core

W.3.4 W.4.4 W.5.4