Objective

By the end of this lesson, Kerry will be able to understand the art of letter writing, explore different styles and formats, and create a personalized letter to a friend or family member, enhancing her communication skills and creativity.

Materials and Prep

• Paper (preferably stationery or plain)
• Envelopes
• A pen or pencil
• A list of friends or family members to write to
• Examples of different types of letters (friendly, formal, thank-you)

Before starting the lesson, ensure that Kerry has a comfortable writing space and is familiar with the basic structure of a letter. Discuss the importance of letter writing in communication.

Activities

• Letter Format Exploration: Begin by discussing the different parts of a letter (heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature). Show examples of various letter types. Kerry can then draw a diagram or write down the structure of a letter to reinforce her understanding.

• Creative Letter Writing: Encourage Kerry to choose a friend or family member to write to. She can brainstorm ideas about what to include in her letter, such as sharing a fun story, asking questions, or expressing gratitude. This activity will help her practice her writing skills in a personal way.

• Letter Exchange Activity: After writing her letter, Kerry can either send it through the mail or hand it to her chosen recipient. If possible, encourage her to ask for a reply, which will create a fun correspondence experience.

• Reflection and Discussion: After completing the letter, have a discussion about how it felt to write a letter. Kerry can reflect on the differences between letter writing and digital communication, and why she thinks letter writing is still valuable.

Talking Points

• "Letter writing is like sending a piece of your heart on paper. It shows you care."
• "Every letter has a structure: a greeting, a body, and a closing. It’s like a recipe for communication!"
• "Think of something fun to share in your letter. It could be a funny story or an exciting event!"
• "Why do you think people enjoy getting letters? It’s special to receive something handwritten, isn’t it?"
• "Let’s talk about how writing a letter can help you express your feelings better than just texting."
• "How would you feel if someone wrote you a letter? Wouldn’t it be nice to get a surprise in the mail?"