Letter to Self

Letters to Self

At the beginning of the school year students write a letter to themselves that is returned on the last day of school. This was an activity done specifically for Communication Skills students. When the district eliminated Communication Skills as required elective for 10^th graders, I was saddened. However, “Letter to Self” is so valuable and fun, I now do it with all my classes.

Students write a four paragraph letter about whatever they want. They seal their letters, and I keep them secure until the last day of school. Some of the topic suggestions are:

• Who do you admire most?
• What would you want to change in your life?
• What is your biggest fear?
• List your feelings about the future, work during the next five years, retirement, graduation, marriage, or divorce.
• $$$Money$$$...send yourself a buck…just in case you need it.

As I am involved in many sequels, I typically write about book sequels. I predict what the next book will be about. What will happen to Character X? What will the next title be? Is this the end?

This year I am reminding myself of my goals. When I read my letter at the end I can reflect if I have met my goals. I also left summer goals for myself too.

Dear Reader join us in writing a letter to yourself. In May I will read mine and remind you to find and read yours. I am attaching the full directions at the bottom of this post. Happy Writing!

A Letter to Yourself Write a letter to yourself, at least four paragraphs long.  Think carefully about what you want to include in this letter.  Fold it in half, seal it with tape or by stapling, and put your name, class period, and date on the outside.  I will save this letter until the end of the year when I will return it to you.  It should be interesting to you to see if and how you have changed over this school year. Some Suggested Contents: What would you want to change in your life? List your feelings about the future, work during the next five years, retirement, graduation, marriage, or divorce. List the names of two people you love or loved.  Discuss the relationships you have or had with these individuals. Tell yourself to keep in touch with a friend(s) . . . name them, and describe them and your relationship. Describe your personality and physical appearance. What song that you listen to now makes you feel relaxed, at peace, or energetic and excited.  Talk about the artist/group and why you like them. $$$$$MONEY$$$$$ send yourself a buck . . . just in case you need it. Make a list of enjoyable recreational activities that you are currently engaged in. Whom do you most admire?  Describe this person and give reasons why you admire him/her. What has happened to you this summer, this year, this week that seems very important to you now? What is your favorite expression(s)?  How do these give some clue about who you are and what you think about your world? What is your biggest fear?  Why? Make a list of items you would like to acquire or experiences you would like to have and give reasons why. Make a list of people whom you know now that you think will have drifted away.  Tell why your friendships may fade away. Make a list of people who you feel will still be close friends of yours in five years.  Why are these people extra close to you?