Courtesy Letters By: Erica Lehman and Amy Garner ECED 4300-A Dr. Root Fall 2009 Fifth Grade

Erica Lehman Stage of writing: Prewriting Form of writing: Courtesy Letters

GPS ELA5W4 The student consistently uses a writing process to develop, revise, and evaluate writing. The student a. Plans and drafts independently and resourcefully.

Primary Learning Outcome The students will plan a courtesy letter using a graphic orgainzer.

Form of Writing Courtesy letters letters of appreciation

Form of Writing To thank a community worker for visiting the class Thanking a friend for a gift

Prewriting Organize your thoughts before you write Graphic organizer

Practice Activity As a class Complete a graphic organizer

Examples of topics for Practice Activity After an interview for a job Birthday gift was received After a field trip After a community worker visits the classroom

Assessment Complete your own graphic organizer.

Heading: Return Address: __________________ __________________ Date:__________________ (skip a line) Greeting: (whom the letter is to) Dear __________________, Body: What are you thanking the person for:__________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Why is it important to you or how much does it mean to you: _____________________________________________________ Thank the person again: _________________________________ _____________________________________________________ (Skip a line) Closing: Sincerely Love Your Friend Thank you, (Skip a line) Signature: Leave room to sign your name and type your name or print your name below _________________________ Graphic Organizer for Courtesy Letter

References The morning news. (n.d.) How to write a thank you note. Retrieved October 23, 2009 from chives/how_to/how_to_write_a_th ankyounote.php.

Erica Lehman Form of Writing: Courtesy Letter Stage of Writing: Drafting

GPS ELA5W4 The student consistently uses a writing process to develop, revise, and evaluate writing. The student a. Plans and drafts independently and resourcefully.

PLO Students will use their graphic organizer to write a draft of a courtesy letter.

Drafting Thoughts on paper Graphic organizer from prewriting

Teaching Letter writing. 100% Educational Videos. (2002). Retrieved October 23, 2009, from Discovery Education: n.com/

Practice Activity The class will draft a courtesy letter using a class graphic organizer

Assessment Students will write a draft using their graphic organizer from prewriting.

Sample letter from Baker University

Reference Kalkman, T. & Hill, A. (n.d.) Baker University. Courtesy letter. Baldwin City, Kansas.

Amy Garner Form of Writing: Courtesy Letter Stage of Writing: Revising and Editing

GPS ELA5W4 The student consistently uses a writing process to develop, revise, and evaluate writing. The student b. Revises manuscripts to improve the meaning and focus of writing by adding, deleting, consolidating, clarifying, and rearranging words and sentences. c. Edits to correct errors in spelling, punctuation, etc.

PLO Students will revise and edit their courtesy letters.

Revising changing, adding, deleting, and rearranging the content word by word reading proofreading marks.

Editing correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and paragraph formation. Proofread

SAMPLE COURTESY LETTER TO THOSE APPLYING FOR A TRANSFER Insert Date Here Mrs. Smith Elementary School Granite School District Dear Mrs. Smith: I have received your letter expressing interest in the 3rd grade position at Elementary School. All applicants were considered and screened through telephone calls, file review, and some interviewing. At this time, the position has been filled. Thank you for your application. I wish you continued success as a teacher in Granite School District. Sincerely, John Doe Principal

Practice Activity Take the class draft Revise and Edit for mechanical and content errors

Practice Activity Continued Using a blue or black ink Read the sentence and tell me if the correction is a revising or editing error. Use correct proofreading marks

Assessment Revise and edit your own courtesy letter Use correct proofreading marks!!

References Root, T. (2009). Valdosta State University d4300/writing_process.htm (2009). Granite Schools. Retrieved Oct 25, 2009 from