Some may say, letter writing is becoming a lost art. Through the use of literature, you can excite your students in the art of letter writing and learn to write for a purpose. Students can learn parts of a letter by seeing samples within texts and create a check list. Item on the checklist would include date, salutation/greeting, body, closing, post script. Then they can generate a letter to someone. Then have them use their checklist.
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You Are a Really Good Friend of Mine
by Laura Liliom (author), Lilit Vagharshyan (illustrator) ISBN: 9781931854535
Her good friend has moved far away to another country. What to do now? How can they stay friends without seeing each other? They learn that there is friendship in thinking about each other, in writing to each other, in remembering each others’ favorite things, but most of all: it is in the heart.
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Sam and Nate
by PJ Sarah Collins (author), Katherine Jin (illustrator) © 2005 ISBN: 9781551433349
Did you know that apes do not have tails? Or that baleen whales have two blowholes? Sam and Nate do. Sam and Nate tells the story of a developing friendship between two boys. Through letters, notes, school projects, a pregnant teacher and a substitute who has never taught children before, Sam and Nate support each other as best they can, but get into some funny scrapes while they’re at it.
Other resources
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From Tablets to Texting
by L. Rigdon (author), Nicholas Jackson (illustrator) © 2012 ISBN: 9781620461822
This book begins with informational text about cuneiform and hieroglyphics and ends with an alternative perspective: a girl writing in her diary about the connections between ancient and modern communication. The clever story engages readers and introduces history content.
Other ideas include
Taking a trip to the post office
Establishing Pen Pals
Writing to an Author
Making stationary or post cards.
- Common Core State Standards
-
Writing
- Grade 2
- 2.W.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
- 2.W.5 With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
- 2.W.6 With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.
