| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | No subject |
| What topic | Letter of Recommendation |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 11 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Letter of Recommendation
No subject
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 | Briefly introduce the topic. Explain the significance of recommendation letters in academics and job applications. |
| 2 | Review Examples | 10 | Distribute example letters of recommendation. Discuss their structure and key components, asking students to identify these elements. |
| 3 | Printable Card Activity | 10 | Distribute printable cards for students. Instruct them to draft a short letter of recommendation using the structure discussed. |
| 4 | Feedback and Correction | 5 | Randomly collect or check a selection of the cards to provide immediate feedback on their content and structure. |
| 5 | Assign Homework | 5 | Explain the homework assignment related to letters of recommendation. Ensure students understand the requirements. |
Feel free to adjust any details as necessary for your specific teaching context!
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to talk about an important topic that you will encounter in your academic and professional lives: the letter of recommendation. Can anyone tell me what a letter of recommendation is? [Pause for responses]
Great! So, a letter of recommendation is typically written to endorse someone—like a student applying for college or a person seeking a job. These letters are essential because they provide insight into a person’s character, abilities, and achievements from someone who knows them well. Today, we’ll learn about the structure of these letters and how to write one effectively. Let’s get started!"
"Next, I’ll hand out some printed examples of letters of recommendation. As I pass these out, please take a moment to read through them. [Distribute example letters]
Now, let’s discuss what you see. What are some key components included in these letters? [Pause for responses] Yes, important elements include the introduction of the writer, the relationship to the person being recommended, specific qualities or achievements, and a concluding endorsement.
Now, let’s write these components on the whiteboard so everyone has a clear understanding. [Write components on the board] This structure will help guide us when we write our own letters."
"Now, it’s your turn! I will distribute printable cards for you to draft your very own letter of recommendation. [Distribute cards]
Your task is to write a short letter based on a fictional person. You can create a scenario where this person is applying to college or for a job. Remember to follow the structure we just discussed on the board. You have 10 minutes to complete this. Go ahead!"
[While students work, walk around to offer assistance as needed.]
"Time’s up! Now, I’d like to collect a few of your cards randomly. This will help me provide feedback on your work. [Randomly collect some cards]
Let’s take a moment to review some examples. Remember, constructive feedback helps us improve. I’ll provide some comments on what you did well and what you might change. [Give feedback on specific cards]
If you didn’t get a chance for feedback today, don’t worry! You can still revise your work based on what we discussed."
"Finally, for homework, you will complete a formal letter of recommendation based on a specific scenario I’m about to give you. This letter should adhere to the structure we talked about today, and be sure to incorporate the feedback you received if applicable.
I want you to consider a person you would recommend and draft your letter accordingly. You’ll submit your completed letter in our next class for assessment. Do you have any questions about the homework? [Pause for questions]
Great! I look forward to reading your letters. Thank you for your participation today, and have a wonderful day!"
Define what a letter of recommendation is and discuss its importance in academic and professional settings.
Identify and list the key components that should be included in a letter of recommendation.
Choose a fictional character and describe their qualities and achievements that would make them a good candidate for a college or job application.
Draft an introduction for a letter of recommendation, including your relationship to the person you are recommending.
Write a paragraph in the body of your letter that highlights specific qualities or achievements of the person being recommended.
Create a concluding statement for your letter that provides a strong endorsement for the individual.
Revise your initial draft based on the feedback you received in class. What changes did you make and why?
Reflect on a real-life scenario where you might need to write a letter of recommendation in the future. Describe the context and the person you would be recommending.
Compare and contrast the different types of letters of recommendation (academic vs. professional). What are the key differences in tone and content?
Why is it important to follow a specific structure when writing a letter of recommendation? Discuss how this contributes to the effectiveness of the letter.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a letter of recommendation? | |
| What are some key components included in a letter of recommendation? | |
| Why are letters of recommendation important? | |
| What should be included in the introduction of a letter of recommendation? | |
| How should the relationship between the writer and the person being recommended be presented? | |
| What type of qualities or achievements should be highlighted in the letter? | |
| What is the purpose of the concluding endorsement in a letter of recommendation? | |
| How can you ensure that your letter follows the recommended structure? | |
| What feedback did you receive on your draft letter? | |
| How can you revise your letter based on the feedback provided? | |
| In your homework, what specific scenario should you consider when drafting your letter? | |
| Who is a person you would recommend in your homework assignment? | |
| What are some common mistakes to avoid in a letter of recommendation? | |
| How can you make your letter stand out to admissions committees or employers? |