Write a Fan Letter

Language Arts

Children will write fan letters to their favorite musicians or artists.

What You Need

• Writing paper or stationery
• Pencils
• Envelopes (optional)
• First-class stamps (optional)

What To Do

1. Tell the children that you would like each of them to choose a favorite musician, artist, or book illustrator, and then write a fan letter to that person. Explain that a fan letter is a kind of friendly letter written to someone whose work the writer admires.
2. Review with the class the five parts of a friendly letter: the date, the greeting, the body, the closing, and the writer's name.
3. Explain that in the body of a fan letter, the writer often tells the recipient what it is about his or her work that the writer especially likes. Suggest that children tell why they like particular works produced by the musician or artist. Also mention that fans often thank the person to whom they are writing for sharing their talents with others.
4. When the letters are finished, ask the children to share them with the class. If you and the children wish, and if possible, you could actually mail the fan letters to their intended recipients. (Mailing addresses for many currently active musicians, artists, and book illustrators are available in directories found in library reference sections. For example, Something About the Author often provides office addresses where book illustrators can receive mail.)