#7 Writing Letters to Parents
by Misty Sailors

Objectives:

• Students will discuss characteristics of effective letters to parents.
• Students will write effective letters to parents.
• Students will recognize the importance of positive letters! :-)

Material to be presented:

Students will be exposed to the various components contained within an effective letter to a parent:

• The letter is written in a timely manner (the same day, if possible)
• It is concise (brief and to the point)
• It is professional (explain any pedagogy or behavior in question)
• It begins and ends on a positive note.
• It has been edited (for clarity and mechanical conventions).

Seminar format:

• Students will be exposed to an effective letter to a parent (on overhead).
• Teacher will elicit the above five components of an effective letter to a parent.
• A discussion will ensue as to why each of these components are important to both the teacher and parent.
• Students will read examples of non-effective letters (on overheads). 
• Students will recognize which component is missing.
• Students will role-play writing an effective letter. Each student will choose a simulated situation in which a letter to a parent is necessary. The student will address the problem through an effective letter to the parent, using the components discussed above, including editing for mechanics and content.
• Students will be given the option to share the situations and their effective letters in small groups of 4-5. Feedback from the group is encouraged.
• Students will discuss the importance of positive notes to be sent home on a regular basis!

Method of assessment:

• Independent exposure to parental, written correspondence will be discussed on an individual basis, as the need arises. The cooperating teachers will fill the role of the supervisor if the supervisor is not available.
• Students will attach any parental correspondence in their reflection journals as the opportunity arises to be discussed with the supervisor.