Effective Letter Writing
This lesson shows the importance of writing effectively when trying to persuade the audience. It is broken down into its components and then copied onto a word processor with added amenities to make it an attractive letter for the reader.
Component
Composition
Word Processing
Objectives
Organizes ideas
Puts sentences (in a paragraph) in sequential order
Edits written work for word usage, capitalization, and punctuation errors
Makes a point and stay on track
Uses electronic technology
Materials
Computer, printer, ink and paper
Procedure
1) Find a topic to write about. (ex. Write a letter to the neighborhood
government
regarding a traffic sign near the school)
2) Students will follow the procedure for writing a persuasive letter. (see
rubric)
3) Type letter on computer adding a border and clip art or photo from a desktop
publishing program.
4) In order to learn the mechanics of writing the students may use colors as
reminders until the final printing. Example: Go to Format, Font and then change to the color red for all capital
letters. Put periods in green, commas in orange, etc.
Evaluation
Students will use the Effective
Writing Checklist for assessment.
Homework
Write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper opinionating
about a topic pertaining to children.
Extension Activities
The students can write to an organization
for the purpose of justifying a wrong, such as a toy manufacturer whose product was defective.
Sites To Visit
Lesson Plans Page
www.lessonplanspage.com
Has over 2000 free lesson plans.
The Art of Letter Writing
http://wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/DRAFT_Letters.html
Twelve rules for writing great letters.
