Plan and Write a Friendly Letter to a Pen Pal

Start with the labeling page so the 5 parts have names, then move to the order page. On the two writing pages, fill in the plan first and use the checklist on page 2 before you check the sample letter in the answer key.

Plan a friendly letter to a new pen pal in another state, then write it with all 5 parts on page 2. A friendly letter has a date, a greeting, a body, a closing and a signature. The directions on the page read: Read the topic. Then, fill in the plan. Then, circle a closing. Then, write your letter on the next page. On page 2: Look at your plan. Then, write your letter on the lines with all 5 parts. Then, check each box on the checklist. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 3rd Grade writing topics, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with friendly letters. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.

The date at the top, the greeting, like Dear Kai, the body with the news, the closing, like Your friend, and the signature, which is the writer's name. A comma follows the greeting and the closing.

A friendly letter goes to someone you know, like a grandparent or a pen pal, and uses everyday words. A formal letter goes to a business or someone you do not know and uses more careful, polite words.

Read the letter together and underline each question the writer asks. Plan an answer to each one, add a question back, then write the reply with all 5 parts. The page with Nora's letter from camp sets out these steps.

Yes. All 4 friendly letter sheets have an answer key. The writing pages show a sample letter to compare with.