,
Welcome to the first day of the 8th grade. I am looking forward to a great year together; we are going to accomplish amazing things. In order for me to be the best teacher possible, I need to know more about you. Your first assignment is to write me a letter introducing yourself. The letter should leave should fill up all an entire page on one side, but it can go onto the back if you need extra room. You should not skip lines. Please include the following information, though feel free to write more than a page or add extra details:
1. What are you like? How would you describe yourself? What people, things, or activities are most important to you? What is something you’re really good at? What are your best and worst traits?
2. What do you think about school? Do you like school? Why or why not? Do you think you are a good student? Why or why not? Do you think you are smart? Why or why not? How did you do in seventh grade?
3. What are you excited about for 8th grade English? What are you looking forward to? What do you hope to learn or get out of this class?
4. What are you nervous about? What worries you about 8th grade in general? What worries you about 8th grade English specifically?
5. What can I do? This year, I expect you to do your best. What do you expect from me? What is the most important thing I need to do as a teacher to help you succeed in our class?
Your letter should:
Ø Begin with the following words: “Dear Mr. Mashburn”
Ø Fill up an entire front page of loose leaf paper
Ø Be written in complete sentences
Ø Have indented paragraphs
Ø End with the word “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Have your letter ready to turn in by the end of class.
Once again, I am looking forward to a great year together.
Sincerely,
Mr. Mashburn
Dear ______,
I would describe myself as ______because ______Something that I really like to do is ______because ______
In the past, my attitude about school has been ______because ______
______
In seventh grade, I ______
______
One thing that I want to get out of 8th grade English is ______because ______I hope that I learn how to ______
One thing I am kind of nervous about as I start Leadership is ______because ______Another thing I am concerned about is ______because ______
One thing you, Mr. Mashburn, can do to help me learn is ______This will help me because ______
Sincerely,