I give this elementary school writing prompt to my students every year during the last week of school.  It’s a writing prompt kids love as it makes them feel good about doing something for someone else.  In addition, it gives students practice writing a friendly letter and is something next year’s students love to receive.

First, find a nice writing template with a border the kids can color.  I have one with school supplies around the edges with a boy and a girl at the bottom of the page.  Next, give your students the following prompt.  And last, put the finished letters in a file for next year’s students.  My students enjoy this so much that I incorporate it as an end-of-year writing prompt in my lesson plans for each school year.

Prompt:  You are going to write a letter to a rising student for next year.  It will be placed on his or her desk on the first day of school.  Follow these instructions.

First, think about the things you did in school over the past year.  On plain notebook paper, make a pre-write list such as science projects/fairs, field trips, parties, assemblies, etc.  Include on your list the things you liked best about each subject, such as your favorites, and what you learned that was different from the previous school year.  Also, jot down any awards you received, good grades, or things you are particularly proud of.  Write down some things about your teacher that you think the student should know, as well as upcoming challenges, rules to follow, and anything that will help them succeed in school next year.

Next, on a plain piece of notebook paper, use your pre-write to craft a rough draft of your letter.  Be sure to follow the friendly letter format.

Then, edit your writing for errors such as spelling and end marks.  Use a thesaurus to eliminate repetitive words.

Next, ‘whisper read’ your letter somewhere in the corner of the room as a way to proofread your draft letter.

After that, transfer your final copy to the writing template your teacher provided.  Make sure you sign your name.

Last, if you would like to, color the border of your letter.

Good work!  One student next year will really enjoy reading your letter on the first day of school!