I focused a bit more on formal letters since they have more of a standardized structure. Rather than bombarding my students with all of the different styles of formal letters, we stuck to a block format (where every line is aligned on the left margin). We talked about the different parts of a formal letter (the sender’s address, the date, the recipient’s address, salutations, closings, and signatures). After looking at a couple of model examples, the students were ready to write their own letters. As a whole class, we brainstormed and came up with a list of problems at Haramaya University. The students then had to choose one of those issues to write a complaint letter about.
Finally, I taught the students how to label an envelope. Once again, it was hard to believe that most of my students had never labeled an envelope. I gave the students a choice of whether or not they actually wanted their letters sent – about 1/3 of the students were willing to do so. I encouraged the rest of the students to reconsider sending their letters, but they were worried about repercussions of complaining to their superiors. Either way, they now have the skills to be able to formally complain in the future if they need to do so.
To help my students understand the concept, we watched a few videos from the founders of “Global Love Letters”. My students seemed to be a bit confused at first, but soon grew to love the idea. They eagerly wrote the first draft of their letters. I took all of the letters home, made corrections, and brought them back to class the next day; I also came supplied with colored paper, markers, stickers, and scissors. My students worked so hard to make beautiful love letters – they made me proud again! The students left the letters around campus and spread a little bit of love to the students and staff of Haramaya University!
Check out the album below to see photos of my students working on their letters and some examples of their formal letters and love letters:
https://plus.google.com/photos/113203084550986862848/albums/5997345779055691393