Lauren Wiener

Writing Lesson: Caring Letter

3.9 The student will write for a variety of purposes.

a) Identify the intended audience.
b) Use a variety of prewriting strategies.
c) Write a clear topic sentence focusing on the main idea.
d) Write a paragraph on the same topic.
e) Use strategies for organization of information and elaboration according to the type of
writing.
f) Include details that elaborate the main idea.
g) Revise writing for clarity of content using specific vocabulary and information.

Materials:
● Caring Letter Template
● Caring Letter Drafts
● Pencils
● I am a Christmas Tree Guidelines
● Blank Notebook paper

Procedure:
● Begin by discussing the purpose of the letter with the students
● Remind them that this letter is actually going to be delivered to the recipient and so it
must be neat and organized
● Explain I am a Christmas Tree Writing to the students so that they can jump in when
they are finished with their caring letter
○ They will be able to work as partners
○ Remind them that THEY ARE THE TREE IN THE STORY
● Homophones Test
○ Once students finish, they will begin working on their letter or story
● Help students brainstorm how the individual has impacted their life in a positive way
● Students will have a peer edit their paper
● They will make the revisions the peer suggested
● Teacher will edit the paper
● Student will write final draft of paper on a new sheet
● Student and Teacher will conference to grade their paper using the COPS method
● Students who have finished their letters will begin writing their I am a Christmas Tree
Story

Closure:
● The closure will be completed with each student individually through their final
conference with the teacher where they will be reading their letter together and grading
using the COPS system. The students will then continue to work on their I am a
Christmas Tree stories which will be shared next week.
Lauren Wiener

Differentiation:
● There will be a lot of differentiation happening during this lesson. Some students will
have assistance in writing their letters. Some will have them transcribed for them and
then they will have to copy it in their own handwriting. Others will be completely on their
own for this assignment in terms of writing the letter independently.

Assessment:
● The assessment will take place when they complete the letter and it is reviewed with the
teacher using the COPS system. This will allow the students to answer any questions
the teacher may have about their writing in order to avoid a mistake when grading.