No matter which letter task you choose your

No matter which letter task you choose, your writing should follow the friendly letter format!

Task Choice 1: Dear Ms. Smith letter – end of year Your very first piece of writing for me this year was a letter introducing yourself to me. If we were at school, I could return those letters to you now so that you could marvel at how much you’ve changed in just a few short months. Even though I can’t return that letter to you, you can reflect now on the school year… events, changes, ups, downs, successes, failures… both at school and in your life outside of school. You can also reflect on ELA specifically, if you wish. (Also– some of you typed and shared that letter with me via O 365, so YOU can go back and look at it!) This letter task is to write me another letter, Ideas for Dear Ms. Smith letter: • How you have changed since the beginning of 7 th grade • Things you’ve learned • Best memories of the school year • Successes/mistakes • How things have gone during quarantine • Wishes and hopes for the future

Task Choice 2: Dear Future Me This letter task is to write a letter to yourself – specifically, yourself at the end of your 8 th grade year, as you are about to leave middle school. Your letter should have two components. First, you should write about your current life, both school-wise and outside of school. Next, you will write your vision and hopes for your 8 th grade year. What are your goals? What changes/plans are you committing to? What are your hopes and dreams? *If you choose this task, I will keep your letter and send it to you during the last week of your 8 th grade year! Even if you move, I can forward your letter to you at Sentence starters & questions to help with your Dear Future Me letter: • How are things going in your current situation? Think about your health (physical, emotional, spiritual), friendships, family, schoolwork, etc. ) • How would you describe life during quarantine? • “As I end my 7 th grade year, I feel…” • What are your hopes and goals for the near future? • What concerns/questions/wonderings

Task Choice 3: Dear New Seventh Grader Your task is to write a letter to the students I will have next year. (Yes— they will really read them!) Try to put yourself in the place of the upcoming seventh graders. When you are starting a new school year and meeting a teacher for the first time, what kinds of things do you want to know about the teacher and the class? What kinds of messages would help you feel supported and encouraged by older students who are offering you advice? *If you choose this writing task, I will Your letter should include: • information about 7 th grade AC language arts • the “inside scoop” on Ms. Smith as a teacher • tips and advice for having a successful 7 th grade year in general (could relate to academics, th DOs and DON’Ts for the “Dear New 7 organization, health/wellness, Grader” letter: and/or the social aspects of 7 th grade) • DO write the letter in your own voice! Let your personality come through. • DO make sure that your letter is positive and helpful. • DO use the friendly letter format • DO feel free to add decorative touches such as a colorful border!