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17 Writing Friendly Letters

Page
80
from
Write on Track

Start-Up Activity

Find an online video of a soldier returning home to be greeted by a surprised spouse, son, daughter, or even dog. Let students see the absolute joy that the person shows when reunited with the person who has been gone for so long. Ask students, "What do you see? What do you hear? What emotions would you describe?"

Tell students that getting a letter from someone you love but haven't seen in a long time can have the same effect. A person surprised by such a letter can be absolutely overjoyed and will read (and respond) very excitedly. Let students know that they will be writing just such a letter to someone they care about, and this chapter will help them do so.

Think About It

“If you want to know your true opinion of someone, watch the effect produced in you by the first sight of a letter from him.”

—Arthur Schopenhauer

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.5

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

LAFS.3.W.1.2

LAFS.3.W.2.5

TEKS Covered in This Chapter

110.5.b.11

110.5.b.12.B

110.5.b.11.C

110.5.b.11.D

TEKS Covered in This Chapter

Page 81 from Write on Track

Sample Friendly Letter

Have volunteers read parts of this friendly letter. After reading the letter, discuss the parts, using the descriptions on page 80.

Then focus on the voice of the letter. Ask students what makes the voice so friendly. (Use of personal pronouns like you and I, use of exclamation points, positive words, and the excitement that is obvious in the writer's choice of topics.)

Help students understand that a friendly letter is all about connecting with someone else. It's half of a conversation with someone the writer cares about.

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Level:

Mode:

Form:

Theme:

English Language Arts:

Reading Writing

Page 82 from Write on Track

Writing a Letter

Help student think about people they care about but haven't seen in a while, including family members, friends, and even former teachers. Each student should pick one such person and think about what to share with the reader. Then have students list the types of details that would make a good letter, as on page 82.

Once students have a recipient and a list of details in mind, have them write a friendly letter, following the instructions on the bottom of the page.

State Standard Reference:

LAFS Standard:

LAFS.3.W.1.2

TEKS Standard:

110.5.b.11, 110.5.b.12.B

NE ELA Standard:

LA 3.2.2, LA 3.2.2.a, LA 3.2.2.b, LA 3.2.1.b

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Level:

Grade 3

Mode:

Personal Writing Business Writing

Form:

Friendly Letter

Theme:

Life

English Language Arts:

Writing Process Prewriting Writing

Page 83 from Write on Track

Revising, Editing, & Proofreading

After students have drafted their letters, have them revise by asking themselves the questions at the top of the page. Also, refer students back to pages 80–81 to remind them to include elements such as the heading, salutation, closing, and signature.

Once they have made larger-scale changes to their letters, have them edit and proofread using the guidelines at the bottom of page 83.

Encourage them to add personal touches like doodles or drawings—if they know the recipient well.

Help students find the address of the person they are writing to, using the Internet. Use the information on page 144 to help students address and send their letters. (You can also ask the students' family members to help them address their envelopes.)

State Standard Reference: