Letters with Purpose

Second grade students have been learning about the art of letter writing this month. Their first assignment was to compose a letter to a friend or family member, applying the key elements they’ve been learning.

Students began by putting the date in the top right-hand corner of the page, followed by an appropriate greeting and a friendly opening. In the body of their letters, they shared news and updates and asked some thoughtful questions to encourage a response. To conclude, they crafted a closing sentence and signed their names. Beyond writing a letter, they also learned the practical skill of correctly addressing an envelope, ensuring the postal service has all the necessary information to deliver each piece of mail successfully.

Next, students launched a letter-writing campaign to learn more about some of their favorite people and places in Massachusetts. One student who had previously been a patient at Children’s Hospital in Boston wrote a letter sharing how much she appreciated all the wonderful toys and activities they have there to keep patients entertained. Another student is writing to the Harvard Museum of Science, hoping to learn more about the dinosaurs and fossils they have on display. The letters can even be an opportunity for students to practice advocacy. One student wrote a letter to Governor Maura Healey, politely asking if she could do anything to reduce littering in the state. 

The second grade letter writing unit allows students to refine essential communication skills while acquiring new ones. They focus on sentence structure, grammar, the neatness of their handwriting, and proper spacing to ensure their letters are clear and easy to read. Beyond writing mechanics, letter writing also encourages students to express their ideas confidently, ask engaging questions, and show genuine interest in others. While not every letter receives a reply, many students do receive a response, reinforcing the value of their effort and thoughtfulness.