Let's Make a Picture Letter for a Friend!

Time: 20-30 minutes

Lesson Activities:

1. Let's Talk About Friends! (5 minutes)

   • Ask your child: "Who is one of your special friends?"
   • Talk about what makes that friend special. "What do you like to do with [Friend's Name]?" "How does [Friend's Name] make you feel?"
   • Say: "It's so nice to have friends! Let's make something special for [Friend's Name] to show them we care. We can make a picture letter!"

2. Drawing Our Message (10-15 minutes)

   • Give the child a piece of paper and crayons/markers.
   • Say: "Let's draw a picture for [Friend's Name]. What picture do you think they would like? Maybe something you like doing together, or something that is their favorite color?"
   • Encourage the child to draw freely. Talk about their drawing as they create it. Ask questions like: "What is happening in your picture?" "What colors are you using?"

3. "Writing" Our Name (5 minutes)

   • Say: "Great picture! Now let's 'sign' our letter so [Friend's Name] knows it's from you."
   • Help the child make a mark or write their first initial or name at the bottom of the picture. Praise any attempt!
   • Ask: "Do you want to tell your friend something with words?" If they say yes, write down their simple message (e.g., "I like you," "Let's play") near the picture, saying the words as you write them.

4. Getting it Ready (5 minutes)

   • Help the child fold the picture letter.
   • If using an envelope: Let them decorate the envelope with stickers or drawings. Help them put the letter inside.
   • Say: "Wow! You made a wonderful picture letter for your friend. How do you think [Friend's Name] will feel when they get it?"

5. Wrap-up & Delivery Plan:

   • Talk about how you will give the letter to the friend (e.g., give it to them next time you see them, mail it with help).
   • Praise the child for their thoughtfulness and effort in making something special for their friend.

Differentiation:

• For younger children or those needing more support: Focus entirely on the drawing aspect. The adult can do all the writing (name and dictated message).
• For children ready for more: Encourage them to try writing more letters of their name or simple words they know. Let them try folding the paper themselves.

Assessment:

• Observe the child's engagement and willingness to talk about their friend.
• Note their participation in drawing and making marks/writing.
• Listen to their ideas about their friend and what they want to communicate.