Introduction to letter writing

Grade 6 · English

Semester 1 | Period 3 | Week 13

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Subject: English

Semester: 1

Period: 3

Week: 13


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 6
Date: Week 13
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 13, Period 3
Topic: Introduction to Letter Writing
Sub-topic: Friendly Letters
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Define letter writing and explain its purpose
Identify the types of letters (formal and informal)
Recognize the parts of a friendly letter: heading, greeting, body, closing, signature
Compose a friendly letter about the school Gala Day celebration

Previous Knowledge
Students already know basic sentence and paragraph writing, punctuation, and greetings

Instructional Materials
English Language textbook for Grade 6, sample letters, writing paper, markers

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Ask learners if they have ever received or written a letter. Discuss why letters are written and who they are addressed to

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

👩🏾‍🏫 Teacher Explanation and Modeling (10 minutes)

✍️ What is Letter Writing?

Letter writing is a way to send messages or information in written form.
We write letters to share news, express feelings, ask questions, or stay in touch with people.

 

📨 Types of Letters

  1. Friendly Letter (Informal) – written to people we know well, like friends or family.
    • Tone: casual, warm, and personal
    • Example: Writing to your cousin about your school’s Gala Day
  2. Formal or Business Letter – written to people you do not know well, such as a school principal, organization, or company.
    • Tone: respectful and professional
    • Example: Writing to request permission or complain about a service

✅ Today’s focus is on Friendly Letters.

 

📬 Parts of a Friendly Letter

Use a sample letter written on the board or projector about a recent school Gala Day.

🟦 1. Heading

What it is: The writer’s address and the date
Example:

123 Liberia Lane 

Monrovia 

October 15, 2025

🟦 2. Greeting (Salutation)

What it is: A polite way to start the letter
Example:

Dear Sarah,

 

🟦 3. Body

What it is: The main part of the letter – where you write your message
Tips: Use paragraphs to organize ideas. Write clearly and with feelings.

Example:

I hope you're doing well! Our school had its Gala Day last Saturday and it was amazing. We played games, danced, and ate delicious food. I even won a prize for the best costume!

 

🟦 4. Closing

What it is: A polite way to end the letter
Example:

Yours sincerely, 

 

🟦 5. Signature

What it is: Your name
Example:

James

 

📝 Complete Sample Letter:

123 Liberia Lane 

Monrovia 

October 15, 2025 

Dear Sarah, 

I hope you're doing well! Our school had its Gala Day last Saturday and it was amazing. We played games, danced, and ate delicious food. I even won a prize for the best costume! I wish you were there. 

 

Please write back and tell me what you’ve been up to. 

 

Yours sincerely, 

James

 

👩🏾‍🎓 Learners' Activities (Expanded – 15 minutes)

  1. Label the Parts (5 minutes)
  • Provide learners with a printed copy of a sample friendly letter.
  • They will label each part: heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature.
  • Pair check: Learners compare answers with a partner.

 

  1. Guided Letter Writing (7–8 minutes)
  • Learners write their own friendly letter to a friend or family member, describing the school Gala Day (or any recent school event).
  • Encourage:
    • Proper structure (all 5 parts)
    • At least two paragraphs in the body
    • Polite and expressive tone
    • Correct spelling and punctuation

 

  1. Peer Exchange & Review (3–5 minutes)
  • Learners exchange letters with a partner
  • Use a checklist to review:
    • ✅ All five parts are present
    • ✅ Message is clear and polite
    • ✅ Correct punctuation (commas, periods, capital letters)

 

Optional: Read Aloud & Feedback (if time allows)

  • Volunteers read their letters aloud
  • Class or teacher gives positive feedback and suggests improvements

 

✅ Assessment Checks

🔎 Formative Assessments

  • Labeling Activity: Can learners identify all 5 parts of the letter?
  • Observation: While learners write, circulate to check:
    • Correct structure
    • Clear and complete sentences
    • Proper tone (friendly and polite)

📄 Written Letters

Check if each learner's letter includes:

  • ✅ Heading (address and date)
  • ✅ Greeting (e.g., Dear Mom,)
  • ✅ Body with at least 2 meaningful sentences or paragraphs
  • ✅ Closing (e.g., Yours lovingly)
  • ✅ Signature

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏽 Peer Review

  • Peer provides constructive feedback using a rubric or checklist
  • Optional: Use smiley faces or traffic light colors for younger learners to show understanding

 

📚 Notes (Expanded & Detailed)

🔸 What Makes a Good Friendly Letter?

  • It is personal, warm, and expressive
  • It tells something meaningful or interesting to the reader
  • It follows the correct format
  • Uses correct punctuation, especially after the greeting (comma) and in dates

 

🔸 Common Mistakes to Watch For

  • Missing parts (especially the heading or closing)
  • Using formal language in a friendly letter
  • Spelling errors in the name of the friend
  • No punctuation after “Dear [name],”

 

🔸 Tips for Success

  • Remind learners: “Would you write this way to your best friend?”
  • Encourage creativity in the body – they can share personal stories, jokes, or questions
  • Use real situations to inspire writing: school trip, holiday, sports day, or a birthday

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Learners can define friendly letters, identify parts, and compose letters to friends or relatives

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Write a short friendly letter about a recent school event
Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback

Assignment (Expanded):
Write a friendly letter to a friend describing a recent field trip

Follow-up Activity:
Peer sharing of letters and class discussion of letter parts

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Provide templates, allow oral dictation, and group writing for learners needing support

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low