Writing+Mini-Lesson+(Friendly+Letter)


 * __ Lewis and Clark Letter: Writing Mini-Lesson __**


 * Grade ** : 5


 * Time: ** 15 minutes

1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
 * Standard: ** Writing Standards K-5


 * Objective: ** Students will write a letter to Lewis, Clark or Private Reubin Field using a friendly letter format.


 * Materials: **
 * // How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark // by: Rosalyn Schanzer
 * // The Great Expedition of Lewis and Clark // by: Judith Edwards


 * Lesson Sequence: **

** 1. ** ** Anticipatory Set (Engagement): ** · “Lewis and Clark were exploring the west 207 years ago. They had to hunt for their food, and sometimes they didn’t eat at all. Usually, they would explore all day long in the hot sun, and couldn’t be sure where they were going to sleep at night. Most of the time, they’d just sleep on the dirty ground. Think silently to yourselves for a minute about how different your lives are from Lewis and Clark’s.”

2. ** State Objective and Purpose: ** · “Today you are going to write a letter to Lewis, Clark or Private Reubin Field using a friendly letter format.”

3. ** Teach and Model: ** · “What do you need to include in a letter?” · Display letter format on board. · Fill in blank letter format (same one the students will use, but large enough for the class to see). · “I think I’m going to write a letter to Private Reubin Field. Now, I must ask myself, what would I say or ask Private Reubin Field?” · Model writing 2 sentences i. Dear Private Reubin Field, I just read a story in my class about your journey with Lewis and Clark. I was surprised by your bravery during the explorations!

4. ** Guided Practice: ** · Have students suggest sentences to include in the letter. · Ask questions about what to use as a closing.

5. ** Independent Practice: ** · “At your desks, you are going to independently write a letter. What can you include in your letters?” Questions, comments, things that found interesting, etc.

6. ** Assessment: ** · Have students share letters, and check to see that they used the letter format correctly.

7. ** Closure: ** · “If we could mail these letters, I’m sure Lewis and Clark would love to read them. Unfortunately, since they have passed away we cannot ask them the questions that we’d like to. Did anyone write a question in their letter that they could research instead? There are many books and websites that are all about Lewis and Clark. If you have a question you’d like to know, do a bit of research and bring it back to the class. We can share answers, and continue learning about Lewis and Clark’s travels everyday!”