Easy End of Summer-Friendly Letter

By Angie Marino, owner of Writing WondersOn In Writing Prompts

This End of Summer Friendly Letter is easy to conduct and for students to write.  After a few months of summer, there’s a lot to say.

As the school year approaches, students remember their summer and at the same time have excitement or angst about a new grade, class and teacher.  It’s a great time to write a letter to a faraway friend or cousin that may be experiencing the same thing.

end of summer fun  end of summer school bus

Short Video

If you have time, you can show this short 5 minute video to your child or students to get them thinking about and excited for the start of school.  

Common Core State Standards

NOTE:  This lesson can address the following Common Core Standards:  CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.A, L.1.2.C, L.2.2.A, L.2.2.B, L.3.2.B

NOW THE LESSON!

To get a full understanding on how I conduct each writing lesson you may want to read the Writing Prompts Introduction post.  The lesson outlined below (and all other prompts posted) will make more sense and be easier to follow and use.  Here’s the lined paper I use for Grades K-2 and Grades 2-7

Tell the Story Line

Begin the lesson by telling the students the story line: “You’re going to write a letter to someone telling them about your summer and the start of a new school year.”

Brainstorm

Explain to them that asking questions is an integral part of letter writing. It expresses interest in the other person and also elicits a response letter for continued dialogue.  Have the students think of questions they can ask the person in their letter.

End of Summer Memories

Next, brainstorm memories from the summer.

New School Year

Lastly, brainstorm thoughts, feelings and ideas for the new school year.

Show the 5 Sections

    1. Greeting and questions
    2. Describe the summer.
    3. Positives about the school year
    4.  Concerns or worries.
    5. Conclusion

As mentioned in my writing prompts introduction:  K-1st Graders are encouraged to write 1 sentence for each section, 2nd Graders 2 sentences, 3rd Graders 3 sentences and so on.

NOW TO WRITE!

  1. Begin by writing the date on the first line on the right side of the page.
  2. Next, skip a line.
  3. Write the greeting on the 3rd line, left side (Dear Capital Letters and a comma).
  4. Skip a line.
  5. Then, write the introductory paragraph on the next line, left side.  In your own words, write a greeting and ask 1-3 questioins.  “Hello!  How are you? How has your summer been? What have you done?”
  6. Sixth, write about your summer, things that you’ve done, places you’ve gone, people you’ve seen.
  7. Seventh, write about two positive things that you know about the new school year.
  8. Eighth, write any fears or things that you’re nervous about.
  9. Write the conclusion that wishes the friend well, “I hope you’re doing well, I can’t wait to see you again…
  10. Finish by writing the salutation under the body of the letter and centered.  Your Friend, Your Buddy, Your Neighbor, Your Daughter etc.
  11. Make sure to write your name UNDER the salutation.

Print the Lesson

Here’s the full lesson for you to print and use.

EASY ART ACCENTS

For the most perfect art accent, complete an envelope, stick a stamp and send it away!

end of summer envelope

GAMES TO PLAY!

Correct the Paragraph

end of summer paragraph

Silly Sentences:  (Writing Game #2)

Words with # letters

Answer.Question-Speaking Version:  (Talking Game #1)