1. Letter to Stephen F. Austin
PISD 2015

2. Purpose WRITE a letter to Austin to join his Colony.
THINK: What kind of people Austin wanted?
EXPLAIN How do you have those qualities?
Why would Austin pick you?
GIVE examples

3. Model – Parts of a Formal Letter
PISD 2015

4. If the link on the presentation does not work, the original link to the song is
Make sure to use

5. If the link on the presentation does not work, the original link to the song
Make sure to use

6. Melissa Martinez 2700 W. 15th Street Plano, TX 75075 April 2, 2015
Mrs. Heidi Larson Dallas Morning News 508 Young St. Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Mrs. Larson,
I’m writing to you about the Teacher-Who-Made-a-Difference contest. Ms. Smith, my 4th grade teacher, made a difference to me! She should be the winner of your contest. Ms. Smith has done so much for me and for all of her students; this is the least I can do for her.
First of all, Ms. Smith is helpful. She’s willing to help anyone in the classroom who needs assistance. My teacher always helps us with assignments after school. On Friday, she taught me how to solve word problems in math. If you ask her for help, she’ll help you.
In addition, Ms. Smith is a kind person. She always lets her students stay in from recess. On February 26, she let our class have a Colonial Day. We got to dress up like colonists; it was a blast! Not only is she kind to kids, but she’s also kind to other teachers and parents. She is always thoughtful and considerate.
Lastly, Ms. Smith donates her time to kids. She donates her lunch recess for Student Council, which meets in her room. Last fall, Ms. Smith promised me that she would come to one of my soccer games. Guess what? She did, even though she had a lot of school stuff to correct and had to leave to Chicago.
In conclusion, I think Ms. Smith should be the winner of your contest. She is helpful and kind and gives her free time to students. I know you will agree with me that Ms. Smith is a Teacher Who Made a Difference. She’s the best!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martinez

7. Heading Melissa Martinez Your address Date 2700 W. 15th Street
Plano, TX 75075  April 2, 2015
Mrs. Heidi Larson Dallas Morning News 508 Young St. Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Mrs. Larson,
I’m writing to you about the Teacher-Who-Made-a-Difference contest. Ms. Smith, my 4th grade teacher, made a difference to me! She should be the winner of your contest. Ms. Smith has done so much for me and for all of her students; this is the least I can do for her.
First of all, Ms. Smith is helpful. She’s willing to help anyone in the classroom who needs assistance. My teacher always helps us with assignments after school. On Friday, she taught me how to solve word problems in math. If you ask her for help, she’ll help you.
In addition, Ms. Smith is a kind person. She always lets her students stay in from recess. On February 26, she let our class have a Colonial Day. We got to dress up like colonists; it was a blast! Not only is she kind to kids, but she’s also kind to other teachers and parents. She is always thoughtful and considerate.
Lastly, Ms. Smith donates her time to kids. She donates her lunch recess for Student Council, which meets in her room. Last fall, Ms. Smith promised me that she would come to one of my soccer games. Guess what? She did, even though she had a lot of school stuff to correct and had to leave to Chicago.
In conclusion, I think Ms. Smith should be the winner of your contest. She is helpful and kind and gives her free time to students. I know you will agree with me that Ms. Smith is a Teacher Who Made a Difference. She’s the best!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martinez
Heading
Your address
Date

8. Inside Address Melissa Martinez
2700 W. 15th Street 
Plano, TX 75075  April 2, 2015
Mrs. Heidi Larson Dallas Morning News 508 Young St. Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Mrs. Larson,
I’m writing to you about the Teacher-Who-Made-a-Difference contest. Ms. Smith, my 4th grade teacher, made a difference to me! She should be the winner of your contest. Ms. Smith has done so much for me and for all of her students; this is the least I can do for her.
First of all, Ms. Smith is helpful. She’s willing to help anyone in the classroom who needs assistance. My teacher always helps us with assignments after school. On Friday, she taught me how to solve word problems in math. If you ask her for help, she’ll help you.
In addition, Ms. Smith is a kind person. She always lets her students stay in from recess. On February 26, she let our class have a Colonial Day. We got to dress up like colonists; it was a blast! Not only is she kind to kids, but she’s also kind to other teachers and parents. She is always thoughtful and considerate.
Lastly, Ms. Smith donates her time to kids. She donates her lunch recess for Student Council, which meets in her room. Last fall, Ms. Smith promised me that she would come to one of my soccer games. Guess what? She did, even though she had a lot of school stuff to correct and had to leave to Chicago.
In conclusion, I think Ms. Smith should be the winner of your contest. She is helpful and kind and gives her free time to students. I know you will agree with me that Ms. Smith is a Teacher Who Made a Difference. She’s the best!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martinez
Inside Address
Name and address of who you are writing to.

9. + Salutation Melissa Martinez Dear Person’s name Sir Madam
2700 W. 15th Street 
Plano, TX 75075  April 2, 2015
Mrs. Heidi Larson Dallas Morning News 508 Young St. Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Mrs. Larson,
I’m writing to you about the Teacher-Who-Made-a-Difference contest. Ms. Smith, my 4th grade teacher, made a difference to me! She should be the winner of your contest. Ms. Smith has done so much for me and for all of her students; this is the least I can do for her.
First of all, Ms. Smith is helpful. She’s willing to help anyone in the classroom who needs assistance. My teacher always helps us with assignments after school. On Friday, she taught me how to solve word problems in math. If you ask her for help, she’ll help you.
In addition, Ms. Smith is a kind person. She always lets her students stay in from recess. On February 26, she let our class have a Colonial Day. We got to dress up like colonists; it was a blast! Not only is she kind to kids, but she’s also kind to other teachers and parents. She is always thoughtful and considerate.
Lastly, Ms. Smith donates her time to kids. She donates her lunch recess for Student Council, which meets in her room. Last fall, Ms. Smith promised me that she would come to one of my soccer games. Guess what? She did, even though she had a lot of school stuff to correct and had to leave to Chicago.
In conclusion, I think Ms. Smith should be the winner of your contest. She is helpful and kind and gives her free time to students. I know you will agree with me that Ms. Smith is a Teacher Who Made a Difference. She’s the best!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martinez
Salutation +
Dear
Person’s name
Sir
Madam

10. Body Melissa Martinez Your message here. 2700 W. 15th Street
Plano, TX 75075  April 2, 2015
Mrs. Heidi Larson Dallas Morning News 508 Young St. Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Mrs. Larson,
I’m writing to you about the Teacher-Who-Made-a-Difference contest. Ms. Smith, my 4th grade teacher, made a difference to me! She should be the winner of your contest. Ms. Smith has done so much for me and for all of her students; this is the least I can do for her.
First of all, Ms. Smith is helpful. She’s willing to help anyone in the classroom who needs assistance. My teacher always helps us with assignments after school. On Friday, she taught me how to solve word problems in math. If you ask her for help, she’ll help you.
In addition, Ms. Smith is a kind person. She always lets her students stay in from recess. On February 26, she let our class have a Colonial Day. We got to dress up like colonists; it was a blast! Not only is she kind to kids, but she’s also kind to other teachers and parents. She is always thoughtful and considerate.
Lastly, Ms. Smith donates her time to kids. She donates her lunch recess for Student Council, which meets in her room. Last fall, Ms. Smith promised me that she would come to one of my soccer games. Guess what? She did, even though she had a lot of school stuff to correct and had to leave to Chicago.
In conclusion, I think Ms. Smith should be the winner of your contest. She is helpful and kind and gives her free time to students. I know you will agree with me that Ms. Smith is a Teacher Who Made a Difference. She’s the best!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martinez
Body
Your message here.
Make sure to:
Explain the parts of a letter
Model how to write a letter
Explain to students that the introduction (light blue) communicates what is the letter about.
Make sure students state their reasons (bold blue), and give examples and details (underlined) to support their ideas
Explain that a compelling conclusion (green) restates the introduction (light blue) and the main reasons.

11. Closing Melissa Martinez Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Cordially,
2700 W. 15th Street 
Plano, TX 75075  April 2, 2015
Mrs. Heidi Larson Dallas Morning News 508 Young St. Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Mrs. Larson,
I’m writing to you about the Teacher-Who-Made-a-Difference contest. Ms. Smith, my 4th grade teacher, made a difference to me! She should be the winner of your contest. Ms. Smith has done so much for me and for all of her students; this is the least I can do for her.
First of all, Ms. Smith is helpful. She’s willing to help anyone in the classroom who needs assistance. My teacher always helps us with assignments after school. On Friday, she taught me how to solve word problems in math. If you ask her for help, she’ll help you.
In addition, Ms. Smith is a kind person. She always lets her students stay in from recess. On February 26, she let our class have a Colonial Day. We got to dress up like colonists; it was a blast! Not only is she kind to kids, but she’s also kind to other teachers and parents. She is always thoughtful and considerate.
Lastly, Ms. Smith donates her time to kids. She donates her lunch recess for Student Council, which meets in her room. Last fall, Ms. Smith promised me that she would come to one of my soccer games. Guess what? She did, even though she had a lot of school stuff to correct and had to leave to Chicago.
In conclusion, I think Ms. Smith should be the winner of your contest. She is helpful and kind and gives her free time to students. I know you will agree with me that Ms. Smith is a Teacher Who Made a Difference. She’s the best!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martinez
Closing
Sincerely,
Sincerely yours,
Cordially,

12. Signature Melissa Martinez Written first name and last name signature.
2700 W. 15th Street 
Plano, TX 75075  April 2, 2015
Mrs. Heidi Larson Dallas Morning News 508 Young St. Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Mrs. Larson,
I’m writing to you about the Teacher-Who-Made-a-Difference contest. Ms. Smith, my 4th grade teacher, made a difference to me! She should be the winner of your contest. Ms. Smith has done so much for me and for all of her students; this is the least I can do for her.
First of all, Ms. Smith is helpful. She’s willing to help anyone in the classroom who needs assistance. My teacher always helps us with assignments after school. On Friday, she taught me how to solve word problems in math. If you ask her for help, she’ll help you.
In addition, Ms. Smith is a kind person. She always lets her students stay in from recess. On February 26, she let our class have a Colonial Day. We got to dress up like colonists; it was a blast! Not only is she kind to kids, but she’s also kind to other teachers and parents. She is always thoughtful and considerate.
Lastly, Ms. Smith donates her time to kids. She donates her lunch recess for Student Council, which meets in her room. Last fall, Ms. Smith promised me that she would come to one of my soccer games. Guess what? She did, even though she had a lot of school stuff to correct and had to leave to Chicago.
In conclusion, I think Ms. Smith should be the winner of your contest. She is helpful and kind and gives her free time to students. I know you will agree with me that Ms. Smith is a Teacher Who Made a Difference. She’s the best!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martinez
Teacher tip: You may find additional information on how to write a letter on the following website
Signature
Written first name and last name signature.

13. Melissa Martinez 2700 W. 15th Street Plano, TX 75075 April 2, 2015
Mrs. Heidi Larson Dallas Morning News 508 Young St. Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Mrs. Larson,
I’m writing to you about the Teacher-Who-Made-a-Difference contest. Ms. Smith, my 4th grade teacher, made a difference to me! She should be the winner of your contest. Ms. Smith has done so much for me and for all of her students; this is the least I can do for her.
First of all, Ms. Smith is helpful. She’s willing to help anyone in the classroom who needs assistance. My teacher always helps us with assignments after school. On Friday, she taught me how to solve word problems in math. If you ask her for help, she’ll help you.
In addition, Ms. Smith is a kind person. She always lets her students stay in from recess. On February 26, she let our class have a Colonial Day. We got to dress up like colonists; it was a blast! Not only is she kind to kids, but she’s also kind to other teachers and parents. She is always thoughtful and considerate.
Lastly, Ms. Smith donates her time to kids. She donates her lunch recess for Student Council, which meets in her room. Last fall, Ms. Smith promised me that she would come to one of my soccer games. Guess what? She did, even though she had a lot of school stuff to correct and had to leave to Chicago.
In conclusion, I think Ms. Smith should be the winner of your contest. She is helpful and kind and gives her free time to students. I know you will agree with me that Ms. Smith is a Teacher Who Made a Difference. She’s the best!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martinez