Who’s Got Mail? Using Literature to Promote Authentic Letter Writing

Materials and Technology

Student Interactives

Printouts

Preparation

 

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY

• Writing materials, decorative stationery, envelopes, and postage stamps
  
  
• Copies of The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
  
  
• Copies of Dear Mr. Blueberry by Simon James
  
  
• Chart paper and markers
  
  
• Sheet of construction paper
  
  
• A container to hold letters waiting for mailing by the postal service, or an actual mailbox if letters will be distributed within the school only

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STUDENT INTERACTIVES

Grades   K – 12  |  Student Interactive  |  Writing & Publishing Prose

Letter Generator

The Letter Generator is a useful tool for students to learn the parts of a business or friendly letter and then compose and print letters for both styles of correspondence.

 

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PRINTOUTS

• Sample letter
  
  
• Letter Writing Checklist

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PREPARATION

• Determine whether students will be writing letters by hand or using the Letter Generator (or a combination of the two). If students will be using the Letter Generator, arrange for access to Internet-connected computers with printers for the appropriate sessions.
  
  
• Obtain all necessary letter-writing materials.
  
  
• Obtain copies of The Gardener and Dear Mr. Blueberry.
  
  
• Print a copy of the Letter Generator to share with students.
  
  
• Make copies of the Letter Writing Checklist.
  
  
• If students will be using the interactive tool, test the Letter Generator on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tools and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page.

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