Grade Levels: 7 and 8 (This lesson can be
adapted to other grade levels.)
Title: Dear Santa:
Grade Levels: 7 and 8 (This lesson can be
adapted to other grade levels.)
Subjects: English Language Arts
Learner Outcomes: The learner will practice letter writing
skills by:
Composing business letters
Writing thank you notes
Duration of Lesson: 3 hours
Materials:
Models of business letters
Models of thank you notes
"Stationery" for thank you notes
Technology Tools/Courseware:
Computer with word processing program
(Word processor or typewriter can be substituted for word processing program on computer.)
Internet connection (optional)
Teacher Notes:
If students use Internet-based models for letters, a copy of each student's signed Acceptable Use Policy must be on file in the school.Be prepared for those students who do not observe the Christmas holiday by having them write business letters and thank notes for products and services not connected to the holiday.
Consider taking students to the computer lab when they compose their business letters.
Procedures:
Give basic instruction in how to write business letters and thank you notes as an introduction this lesson.Consider sending students to the following Internet sites for directions and suggestions on how to write successful business letters and thank you notes:
During this lesson each student will be expected to write a minimum of two business letters. The first letter should be written to Santa Claus to place a personal Christmas order. The second should also be written to Santa; however, the purpose of this letter should be to file a formal complaint about a product or service recieved with the original order.Learn2Write: Business Letters
Learn2Write: Thank You Notes
Career Lab: 28 Common Mistakes
Purdue University Writing LabThis lesson will also require that each student write a minimum of two thank you notes. The first should be written to Santa in reference to one or more of the products received in the original Christmas order. The second thank note should be a legitimate note to thank someone (e.g., friend or family member) for a gift he or she has received or a kindness that has been shown to the student.
The assignment of these letters can be made according to each individual teacher's preference. It is suggested that the initial letter be written and evaluated before the second is assigned. This will guard against the possibility of a student making the same mistakes on both letters. Consider alternating the business letters with the thank you notes.
If computors or word processors are limited, students could write their rough drafts by hand; however, the final copy of both business letters should be produced using a word processing program. If possible take students to a computer lab for optimum use of class time.
Thank you notes should be written on note cards or note card size paper. Suggest that students make their own stationery using a clip art program or free clip art found on the Internet.
Modifications:
Follow the school's policy for inclusion.Refer to individual IEP's.
Provide an alternate assignment for those students whose religious beliefs prevent their doing this lesson.
Enrichment Activities:
Provide students with the words to "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and ask them to write thank you notes for the gifts in that song. A "tongue and cheek" version of thank you notes for those gifts are posted on the Internet at Drennon's Twelve Days of Christmas.
Evaluation/Assessment:
Assessment will be based on the Business Letter Rubric (attached for your convenience).
State and National Standards:
West Virginia IGO's:English Language Arts:National Standards8.51, 8.58, 8.62, 8.63, 8.64, 8.151
7.60, 7.61, 7.62, 7.65, 7.164, 7.165
References:
Learn2Write: Business Letters
Learn2Write: Thank You Notes
Career Lab: 28 Common Mistakes
Purdue University Writing Lab
Drennon's Twelve Days of Christmas
Authors: Cindy Walbrown
and Alma
Simpson, Collins
Middle School, Oak Hill, West Virginia
