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Friendly Letter Revival

Writing for Real-World Purposes

Day 141of 180
Week 29of 36
30Minutes
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Learning Objectives

1

Understand the proper format of a friendly letter

2

Write an encouraging letter to someone in ministry

3

Practice expressing gratitude and support through writing

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also you do.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (WEB)

Demonstrates the biblical importance of encouraging one another through written communication

📦 Materials Needed

  • Stationery or writing paper
  • Envelopes
  • Pencils or pens
  • Address list of missionaries or church members

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and discuss the importance of written communication. Explain how letters can be a powerful way to encourage others and share God's love.

💭 Review Question: Can anyone share a time when a letter or note made you feel special?
2Teaching (10 min)

Demonstrate the correct format of a friendly letter: date, greeting, body, closing, and signature. Show how to write an encouraging message that reflects Christian love and support.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Parts of a friendly letter
  • How to write an encouraging message
  • The importance of thoughtful communication
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What makes a letter encouraging?
  • How can we show God's love through our writing?
  • Why is it important to support missionaries and church workers?
3Activity: Missionary Encouragement Letters (10 min)
hands-on

Students will write letters to missionaries or elderly church members, focusing on providing encouragement and showing Christian support.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Choose a recipient from the provided list
  2. Write the date and greeting
  3. Share an encouraging message
  4. Include a Bible verse or prayer
  5. Sign the letter
  6. Address the envelope
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Provide a letter template with sentence starters

Challenge: Research the missionary's specific ministry and write a more detailed, personalized letter

4Closing (5 min)

Discuss the letters and the impact of encouragement. Prepare letters for mailing.

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you learn about writing encouraging letters?
  • How can letters show God's love to others?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us the ability to encourage others through our words. Help us to use our writing to spread your love and support to those who serve you.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about writing business letters and how to communicate professionally

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also you do.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Write the verse on a poster and have students repeat it together, discussing what it means to 'build each other up'

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

This lesson focuses on the importance of written communication and encouragement from a Christian perspective.

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Help your child think about specific things to include in their letter
  • Assist with addressing envelopes if needed
  • Discuss the importance of kind and thoughtful communication
🤔 Common Struggles:

Some children might feel nervous about writing a letter or struggle with what to say

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Ability to express encouragement, understanding of letter format, willingness to support others

Extension Activities

  • Create a class book of sample friendly letters
  • Start a letter-writing club at church
  • Learn about missionaries and their work through additional research

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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