Writing+a+formal+letter+(Marijke)

I designed this starter for people interested in contacting their Congressmen. It could be used in the classroom as part of a civics unit and readily adapted to meet the requirements for different grade levels. I also imagined using it with adults who have a particular issue/concern they would like to bring to the attention of an elected official. I thought the topic timely and that because of all the strong feelings that surfaced during the recent election, public libraries might want to have special displays and materials that would keep their patrons engaged in the political process. Without much effort, the template could be adapted to writing a formal letter for employment, a school application, or a similar situation.

I considered adding a slide for the user to type the letter directly on the template but decided it would be a better end product if the user used a text editor. If the template was used in the classroom, the student could used such a slide for a rough draft and then copy it into a text document. I included a sound clip reading the first slide in hopes that it would motivate the user to follow through with the rest of the project and to want to actually send the letter. If the template was used in the classroom, the teacher might consider having the students record a reading of their letters in something like audacity. I think listening to your writing helps with editing and fine tuning the message.

The first template is for writing to a Congressman. I adapted it for writing to a local official.



sample letter take 2:

back Home