Letter Writing

Objectives: Students will become familiar with the organization and correct form of a friendly letter. They will be able to differentiate between friendly letters and social notes in purpose and form, and use each form where it is appropriate. They will become familiar with the correct form for addressing envelopes and postcards.

Background: A letter has some special advantages of its own. If a friend has an important message for you, you will be more impressed if you receive a letter. The letter shows that the person cared enough about you to take the time
to write. A good letter is a pleasure to read. Everyone likes to receive a personal letter in the mail. When friends read your letter, they are thinking of you.

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A letter has five main parts. The parts are described in the table below.

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PART:
Heading

PLACE:
The heading is written in the upper tight-hand corner.

PURPOSE:
The heading tells where you are and when you are writing. It consists of three lines:

• Address
  
• City, State, Zip Code
• Month, Day, Year

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PART:
Salutation

PLACE:
The salutation is written on the line below the
heading at the left margin.

PURPOSE:
The salutation, or greeting is the way you say "hello." For example, Hi, or Dear Mary.

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PART:
​Body

PLACE:
The body begins on the line below the salutation. Each paragraph is indented.

PURPOSE:
The body of a letter is for talking to your friend. Arrange it in paragraphs for each subject.

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PART:
​Closing

PLACE:
The closing should line up with the first line
of the heading.

PURPOSE:
The closing is a simple way of saying "goodbye." Some common closings are Love, Sincerely, or Your friend.

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PART:
Signature

PLACE:
​​After the closing, skip a line. Your signature
should line up with the first word in the closing.

PURPOSE:
In a friendly letter, only your first name is needed unless you don't know the person well.

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A social note is a form of courtesy that people appreciate. After you have received a gift, or someone has done something special for you, you should write a thank-you note as soon as possible. This will let the person know that you appreciate his or her thoughtfulness.

A social note has the same form as a friendly letter except that they are much shorter and generally use only the date in the heading.

Materials: Writing materials, construction paper, glue, scissors, marking pens, crayons, stapler and staples, old magazines and 4 x 6 index cards.

Suggested Activities:

1. Make a sample letter on a large piece of butcher paper. Label the parts of the letter and review them with your class. Have each student write a letter to send home or to a friend.
   
2. Before you go to Outdoor School, address three envelopes to the student at Outdoor School and send them home so parents can write students. Address three envelopes to the student's home and collect them. Use these envelopes to mail letters written during class meeting time.
   
3. Bring U.S. Postal Service postcards (they are already stamped) and have students write letters to friends, parents, or relatives.
   
4. Have your students write a thank-you note to someone who has done something special for them at Outdoor School (Cooks, Student Leaders, Staff, Nurse, etc.).
   
5. Take 4 x 6 index cards, marking paper, crayons, scissors, glue, and old magazines. Design and make your own postcard. Write your letter and address your postcard on the back. Remember postage for postcards is usually less than letters. Check with the U.S. Post Office before you leave for Outdoor School. Click for current USPS rates.
   
6. Decorate your 4 x 6 index card as above. Write your letter on the back of the entire card. Cut your card into a puzzle and mail your letter in an envelope!
   
7. Take construction paper, marking pens, crayons, scissors, glue, and old magazines and have your students make thank-you cards. Glue a piece of white paper inside and have students write a thank-you note to someone who has done something special for them at Outdoor School.