Letter Writing: Notes and Messages

Letter writing gives children a real audience and purpose for writing. Receiving a written response creates a powerful feedback loop that motivates continued writing.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Writing
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Write for communicative purposes
• Learn letter format (greeting, body, closing)
• Practice writing for an audience
• Build social writing skills

Materials

• Stationery and envelopes
• Classroom mailbox
• Pencils and decorating materials
• Letter format template

Instructions

1. Model letter format: 'Dear , ... Love, .' 2. Child chooses recipient (classmate, parent, teacher). 3. Write message. 4. Fold and place in envelope. 5. Address envelope (with help). 6. Deliver via classroom mailbox. 7. Recipient writes back!

Educator tip

Always respond to children's letters. The reply is the most powerful motivator for continued writing.

Assessment

Child writes letters with appropriate format that communicate a clear message.

More from Language

• Dictation: Sounds to Writing
• Copy Work: Beautiful Sentences
• List Writing: Organizing Information
• Writing Invitations and Cards
• Descriptive Writing: Five Senses
• Phonetic Object Box: Level 1 CVC
• Phonetic Object Box: Level 2 Blends
• Puzzle Words: High-Frequency Sight Words