Ms. Feffer Mr. Sharp Mrs. Wingate Letter to 2013 – 2014 6th graders Ms. Feffer Mr. Sharp Mrs. Wingate

First Day of School Close your eyes and think back to the first day of school. Scared? Excited? Nervous? Shy? Loud? Write down one thing you were scared about on the first day.

Write a letter to incoming 6th graders Students will read these on the first week of school to help them not to be scared or nervous You will describe your year and give the student advice for their upcoming year

Writer’s Purpose Provide guidance, helpful advice and comfort Help student that may be feeling anxious about his or her transition to middle school. Provide solid advice to help make the transition into sixth grade easier You will be POSITIVE in all your suggestions. YOU WANT THE STUDENT TO LEARN FROM YOU AND BE EXCITED ABOUT THE UPCOMING YEAR.

Format Letter Poem

Brainstorm What memorable events occurred throughout the year? What things have you learned that have made your school year easier? What word of advice do you have for incoming students?

Letter Rubric FORMAT-Attach your letter. Did you follow proper friendly letter formatting? Does it include all parts of a letter? 20 LETTER- Did you write three body paragraphs? 1st – introduce yourself, how YOU feel about 6th grade, activities, team, etc. 2nd – what have you learned this year, academics and offer words of wisdom 3rd – words of encouragement 35 Did you provide helpful advice for the student? Was your letter positive throughout? 25 The letter is free from any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Total 100

Poem Rubric 20 35 25 100 FORMAT-Attach your poem. POEM- Make sure you… Express how YOU feel about 6th grade, activities, team, etc. Show what have you learned this year, academics and offer words of wisdom Offer words of encouragement 35 Did you provide helpful advice for the student? Was your poem positive throughout? 25 The poem is free from any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Total 100