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Thank-you Letter - Luwis

School: Alice B. Beal Elementary

City/State: Springfield, MA

Grade(s): 2

Format(s): Letter

Subject(s): Science and Technology

Type(s): Argument/Opinion

Writing Assignment Description

A learning expedition about insects included the creation of a field guide to local insects; care of and safe experimentation with a variety of insects in the classroom; the creation of insect greeting cards; and work with a number of outside experts, including an entomologist who worked with the Smithsonian Museums. During the expedition, the class visited a nature center in Amherst, MA for fieldwork and met with a naturalist who led a program for the students about insects, prompting this thank-you letter.

How This Writing Can Be Useful

  • The letter is formal and polite, well-crafted with careful conventions and penmanship, but is not stiff: it is lively and personal
  • The author includes many specific details of what he did, what he learned, and what he appreciated, making the thank-you letter an affirmation to the expert that his work made a difference
  • The language is fresh and creative; the enthusiasm is infectious.
  • Uses charming figurative language (e.g., “The Thailand Walking Stick was so thailandistic and so skinny like noodles from soup.”)
  • Beautiful closing

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.2.1
  • I can use linking words to connect my opinion and reasons.
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