Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Textual Genre: Letter to the Editor

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide a solid understanding of what a reader's letter is and its main characteristics. This is essential for students to apply this knowledge practically. By understanding the structure and function of this textual genre, students will be better prepared to exercise their citizenship by effectively expressing their opinions on different platforms, which is also a valuable skill in the job market.

Main Objectives

1. Understand what a reader's letter is, a type of text that a reader writes to a newspaper, magazine, or website to express their opinion or reaction.

2. Identify the main characteristics of the reader's letter, such as opinion and brevity.

Side Objectives

1. Recognize the importance of the reader's letter as a means of social participation and citizenship.
2. Develop the ability to write a reader's letter clearly and concisely.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to spark students' interest in the topic, contextualizing it in a way that they understand the relevance and impact that their words can have on society. Additionally, the connection to the job market demonstrates the importance of developing effective communication skills, preparing them for different professional contexts.

Contextualization

Contextualization: The reader's letter is a powerful communication tool that allows ordinary citizens to express their opinions and reactions on current issues in newspapers, magazines, and websites. This textual genre is a democratic form of participation, where anyone can contribute their ideas, questions, and praises, influencing public debate and even local and national policies.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosities and Market Connection: Did you know that reader's letters are often read by thousands of people and can influence important decisions? In the job market, skills for clear and persuasive writing are extremely valued. Professionals who can communicate their ideas effectively are sought after in areas such as communication, marketing, public relations, and even leadership positions, where the ability to argue and persuade is crucial.

Initial Activity

Initial Activity: Start the class by showing a short video (2-3 minutes) that presents real examples of impactful reader's letters (available on YouTube or other educational resources). After the video, ask a provocative question: 'Have you ever thought that a simple letter can change something in society?'. Ask students to briefly discuss in pairs how they would feel to see their opinions published and recognized.

Development

Duration: (50 - 60 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide practical and collaborative learning, where students can apply the knowledge they have acquired about the reader's letter in a concrete activity. This will help them develop writing, research, and argumentation skills, preparing them to express their opinions effectively both in school and in the job market.

Covered Topics

1. Definition and purpose of the reader's letter
2. Structure and characteristics of the reader's letter
3. Importance of clarity and conciseness
4. Examples of impactful reader's letters

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how the reader's letter serves as a powerful tool for expressing opinions and influencing change. Ask them: 'How can writing a reader's letter impact society, and what does that say about the power of written communication?'

Mini Challenge

Mini Challenge: Writing a Reader's Letter

Students will be challenged to write a reader's letter on a current topic of their choice. The activity involves research, reflection, and writing, culminating in a letter that will be shared and discussed in class.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 3 to 4 students.
2. Each group must choose a current topic (for example, environment, education, public health).
3. Students should conduct brief research on the chosen topic (use the internet, magazines, newspapers available at school).
4. Each group should discuss and define the opinion they want to express in the letter.
5. Students should write a reader's letter, following the discussed characteristics (clarity, conciseness, opinion).
6. After completion, each group should read their letter to the class and explain the reason for their topic choice and the arguments used.

Objective: Develop research, reflection, and writing skills, in addition to promoting the ability to work in groups and present ideas clearly and concisely.

Duration: (35 - 40 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. Ask students to read a published reader's letter in a newspaper or magazine and identify its main characteristics (opinion, clarity, conciseness).
2. Request that students write a brief reflection (5-7 lines) on the importance of the reader's letter as a means of social participation.
3. Guide students to review the letter written in the mini challenge, correcting any grammatical and structural errors.

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning, ensuring they understand the importance of the reader's letter as a communication and social participation tool. By recapping the contents and promoting a reflective discussion, students are encouraged to internalize and apply the knowledge acquired practically.

Discussion

 Discussion: Promote an open discussion with students about what they learned during the lesson. Ask them: 'How do you think writing a reader's letter can influence society?' and 'What challenges did you face while writing the letter?'. Encourage students to share their experiences and reflections on the mini challenge and fixation exercises.

Summary

 Summary: Recap the main contents covered in the lesson, highlighting the definition and purpose of the reader's letter, its main characteristics (opinion, clarity, and conciseness), and the importance of this textual genre as a means of social participation. Remind them of the impactful reader's letters examples discussed in class.

Closing

 Closing of the Lesson: Explain to students how the lesson connected theory and practice, showing the importance of the reader's letter in society and the job market. Emphasize that the ability to write clearly and persuasively is valuable in many professions. Highlight the relevance of expressing opinions effectively and reflecting on the impact of their words in everyday life.