(Microsoft Tips for Teachers: Word)

In this activity you use the Letter Wizard in Word to write a letter. After a reading unit, students choose a favorite author. Once students have chosen an author, explain to the students that they will be writing a letter to the author. Lead a discussion about things that should be included in the letter --for example, two reasons why the student liked the book, at least one question about the book, and reasons why the author should write another book. Then talk about the different parts of a letter such as the salutation, body, and closing. Then students use Word to write their letters.

How To:

1.      Start Microsoft Word, and make sure a new, blank document is open.

2.      On the Letters & Faxes tab, click Letter Wizard, then click OK.

3.      On the Office Assistant menu, click Send one letter.

4.      In step 1 of 4 of the Letter Wizard, make sure the Date line box is selected. In this step, you can choose your design and style. Leave the design as (current) and the style as Full block. Click Next.

5.      In step 2 of 4, enter the recipient's name and address. Choose the salutation by clicking Formal and selecting one from the list, if you like. Click Next.

6.      In step 3 of 4, add other elements, if you like. Click Next.

7.      In step 4 of 4, enter the sender's name and address. Specify the closing for the letter by clicking in the boxes under Closing and entering the text you want to include. Click Finish.

8.      Select the body of the letter and begin typing.

9.    When you're finished typing the letter, be sure to run the spelling checker, save the letter, and print it!