Lesson 9: Dear Friend: Writing Informal Letters
Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to understand the format and conventions of informal letters.
- Students will be able to write informal letters to friends or family members, expressing thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Students will be able to use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and tone for informal communication.
- Students will be able to organize their writing into clear paragraphs with a beginning, middle, and end.
Materials:
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers or pens
- Sample informal letters (both handwritten and typed)
- Letter-writing templates (optional)
- Vocabulary lists for describing emotions, experiences, and activities
Procedure:
Part 1: Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greeting and Review: Greet students and briefly review previous writing lessons.
- Introducing Informal Letters: Explain that letters are a personal way to communicate with friends and family. Discuss the difference between formal and informal letters, highlighting the more relaxed tone and structure of informal letters.
Part 2: Modeling and Explanation (10 minutes)
- Sample Letter Analysis: Display a sample informal letter on the board. Analyze the letter’s format, including:
- Date
- Salutation (Dear…)
- Body (organized into paragraphs)
- Closing (Love, Sincerely, etc.)
- Signature
- Language and Tone: Point out the informal language used in the letter, such as contractions, colloquialisms, and personal anecdotes. Explain that the tone should be friendly and conversational.
Part 3: Guided Practice (15 minutes)
- Brainstorming Topics: Have students brainstorm possible topics for informal letters, such as:
- Sharing news or updates
- Describing a recent experience or event
- Asking for advice or help
- Expressing gratitude or appreciation
- Making plans or invitations
- Outlining: Help students create a simple outline for their letters, including the main points they want to cover in each paragraph.
Part 4: Independent Practice (15 minutes)
- Letter Writing: Have students write a draft of their informal letter using the outline they created.
- Vocabulary and Grammar Support: Provide vocabulary lists and grammar reminders as needed.
- Peer Review: Encourage students to exchange letters with a partner for peer review and feedback.
Part 5: Revision and Editing (10 minutes)
- Self-Editing: Have students review their own letters, checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
- Teacher Feedback: Provide feedback on individual letters, focusing on clarity, organization, and appropriate tone.
Part 6: Sharing (5 minutes)
- Volunteer Sharing: Invite volunteers to share their letters with the class.
- Discussion: Discuss the different topics and writing styles used in the letters.
Optional Extension Activities:
- Decorating Letters: Encourage students to decorate their letters with drawings or stickers.
- Mailing Letters: If possible, help students send their letters to their friends or family members.
- Response Writing: Have students write response letters to each other.
Outro:
Writing letters is a great way to stay connected with loved ones and practice your English writing skills. Remember to use a friendly tone, express your thoughts and feelings clearly, and have fun with it!
