Name: __________________________________ Period: ____________
8th Grade LA: Generations Project
2012-2013
Unit adapted from Kristi Hannigan, Emily Birch, Patti Holden, and Ann McGowan
Like roots anchoring a tree to the ground, older generations provide a
foundation for us as we grow. Like branches reaching into the sky, we carry the
dreams of earlier generations into the future.
Welcome to the Eighth Grade LA year-long project of writing letters to a person of another
generation, preferably someone you’d like to get to know better (like a grandparent, great
aunt, or uncle, but not necessarily a relative). The essential questions this project is
designed to address are





Why are the bonds between generations worth holding onto, even though it can be
difficult at times?
How are we, as teens, connected to the older generation and they to us?
What is important to other generations and also to me?
How is our thinking similar and different?
How are our values similar and different?
Regular correspondence is the keystone to this project. Though I realize the person with
whom you correspond controls this to a certain degree, you will need to take the initiative
necessary to keep the communication flowing and to write and receive six letters minimum. I
will check your progress at least once a month, but it is up to you to let me know when
you are experiencing difficulties or frustrations of any kind. At the end of the unit you
will submit a portfolio including the letters exchanged with your correspondent and a final
reflection letter to me addressing the essential questions.
Project Timeline:
 September: Intro to Project/Contact and Select Correspondent
 October: Topic 1
 November: Topic 2
 December: Topic 3
 January: Topic 4
 February: Topic 5
 March: Topic 6
 April: Final “thank you” letter (written after you receive the last letter from your
correspondent) AND write reflection letter to Ms. Wages
 Wednesday, May 1, 2013: Portfolio/final project due!
Name: __________________________________ Period: ____________
Letter Topics
The purpose of these letters is to learn as much as possible about another generation. So, while
it is necessary and right that you ask your correspondent questions related to the topics below,
it is essential that you take the time in your letters to share information about your own life
experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This project is about creating a new relationship or
enhancing one that already exists. It is important that your correspondent trusts you and feels
comfortable sharing his or her life with you.
Topic 1: Early Years (October)
• Background information (birth date, birth place, parents, siblings)
• Earliest memories
• What was happening in the world at the time of his/her birth
• Memories of his/her parents
• Holiday traditions and memories
• Grade school
Topic 2: Growing Up (November)
• Teen memories
• Sports/clubs
• Best Friends
• High school/College friends
• Dating
Topic 3: Adult Years (December)
• Marriage
• Job(s)/Military
• Children
• Memories of the children growing up
• Happenings in the world at that time
Topic 4: Current Information (January)
• Current interests/hobbies
• Grandchildren/grandnieces and -nephews
• Pets
• Thoughts on life/favorite quotes
Topics 5 and 6: Your Choice (February and March)
• Favorite Books/Movies
• Religion
• Travels
• Mistakes or regrets
• See your notes for other ideas discussed in class
Letter 7 & 8: Thank you letter to correspondent and reflection letter to Ms. Wages (April)
Name: __________________________________ Period: ____________
While I am giving you an outline of what your letters should contain, you should personalize
them. Do not just write a bunch of questions in your letter. Take time to share and elaborate
on what is going on with you as well as elaborating on what your correspondent has written.
Generations Letter 1 (October): Early Years
All letters must be typed in Standard English, in proper letter format, and edited for spelling and
punctuation. Single space your letters and indent each paragraph.
Your house address
Your City, State, Zip
Date
Dear _____________,
Paragraph 1: Thank the correspondent for participating in this assignment. Inform the
correspondent that this assignment will generate six letters – five remaining after this one –
that cover from birth to the present time. Ask your correspondent for photos (or copies of
photos) of him/her as a baby or grade school student.
Paragraph 2: Solicit information about the correspondent’s birth, full name, name
origin, memories of parents, grandparents, siblings, and pets.
Paragraph 3: Inquire about the birth town, childhood town, what it was like growing up
in that area – weather, activities, festivals, parades, annual events.
Paragraph 4: Ask about childhood world events – did anything substantial occur when
your correspondent was a small child? Review what major events are going on and invite him
or her to reflect similarly on news occurring as a child. Examples include, but are not limited
to, major sports events, political events, religious events, etc.
Paragraph 5: Talk about games you remember when you were a child. Ask your
correspondent what games he or she liked to play. What are some funny childhood
memories? Share yours. What lessons were learned from those childhood experiences?
What do you recall learning BEFORE you even started school?
Paragraph 6: Ask your correspondent about special talents. Did he or she play sports
or an instrument as a child? Share what you liked to do as a grade school student.
Paragraph 7: Provide an update for your correspondent on what’s happening in your life
right now. This last paragraph will be similar in all letters – it’s a connection to what’s going
on with you. Remind your correspondent that you look forward to pictures he or she might
share with you in the return letter and to look for your next letter at the beginning of
November.
Sincerely,
Your signature in cursive
Your Printed Name
Name: ______________________________________________Period: ____________
Generations Letter 2 (November): Growing Up
All letters must be typed in Standard English, in proper letter formal, and edited for
spelling and punctuation. Single space your letters and indent each paragraph.
Your house address
Your City, State, Zip
Date
Dear _____________,
Paragraph 1: Thank the correspondent for the letter s/he wrote. Answer any
questions asked of you in the first letter. Reflect upon something that was shared with you
that you found interesting. Remind him or her that the topic of this letter is
“Growing Up” and that you would appreciate photos (or copies of photos) of him or her as a
teenager to include in your final portfolio.
Paragraph 2: Inquire about junior high and high school teachers and friendships. Be
sure to share about your own junior high experience to stimulate a solid response.
Paragraph 3: Inquire about activities your correspondent participated in as a teenager.
Share what you do in your spare time.
Paragraph 4: Inquire about the correspondent’s parents’ jobs. What did they do for a
living and how did his or her jobs impact the life of your correspondent. Did s/he also have
to work? Was s/he responsible for chores around the house?
Paragraph 5: Ask about your correspondent’s favorite foods growing up. What foods
did s/he eat on a regular basis? Did s/he go out to eat? If so, where? What did “dinner time”
look like to him or her? Share your own food likes and dislikes.
Paragraph 6: Ask your correspondent to reflect upon holiday traditions and memories
of family gatherings. Find out what foods s/he traditionally prepared growing up. Was there
a holiday that s/he looked forward to the most? You don’t have to be extensive about YOUR
holiday memories because you are probably writing to someone who knows your traditions.
Still, talk about what holiday you most look forward to even if your correspondent shares
this holiday with you.
Paragraph 7: Provide a current update on you and your life. This last paragraph will be
similar in all letters. Remind the correspondent you look forward to pictures he or she might
share and s/he they can expect your next letter in the beginning of December.
Sincerely,
Your signature in cursive
Your Printed Name
Name: ______________________________________________Period: ____________
Generations Letter 3 (December): Adult Years
All letters must be typed in Standard English, in proper letter formal, and edited for
spelling and punctuation. Single space your letters and indent each paragraph.
Your house address
Your City, State, Zip
Date
Dear _____________,
Paragraph 1: Thank your correspondent for the last letter. Answer any questions
asked of you and reflect upon something that you and your correspondent share in common
from your growing up years and something that is different due to being from different
generations. Ask your correspondent to send photos (or copies of photos) from his or her
adult years to add to your portfolio.
Paragraph 2: Inquire about boyfriends/girlfriends from teenage/early adult years.
Be sure to share your own experiences to stimulate a solid response from your
correspondent.
Paragraph 3: Did your correspondent ever marry? If so, what kind of wedding did
s/he have? How did s/he propose? What advice can s/he offer regarding marriage based on
his or her experiences? Do you hope to marry some day? What will you look for in a potential
partner?
Paragraph 4: Ask your correspondent about jobs s/he have held. Did s/he get special
education or training (like college)? Join the military? Share your own career goals with your
correspondent. What kind of job would you like to have someday and why?
Paragraph 5: Ask your correspondent to share more about his or her family. Did s/he
have children? What are some of his/her favorite memories of the children growing up?
What were favorite activities they did together? What kind of rules or expectations did
s/he have for his or her children?
Paragraph #6: Ask your correspondent to reflect on important events happening in
the world during his or her adult years.
Paragraph #7: Provide a current update on you. This last paragraph will be similar in all
letters. Remind the correspondent that you look forward to pictures he or she might send
and that your next letter will arrive in the beginning of January.
Sincerely,
Your signature in cursive
Your Printed Name
Name: ______________________________________________Period: ____________
Generations Letter 4 (January): Current Information
All letters must be typed in Standard English, in proper letter formal, and edited for
spelling and punctuation. Single space your letters and indent each paragraph.
Your house address
Your City, State, Zip
Date
Dear _____________,
Paragraph 1: Thank your correspondent for the last letter. Answer any questions
asked of you. Reflect upon something that was shared in the last letter.
Paragraph 2: What are some of your correspondent’s current interests or hobbies? Is
s/he retired? What is a typical day like for him or her? What is a typical day like for you?
Paragraph 3: Inquire about your correspondent’s current relationships with younger
generations (children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc). Describe your relationships with
relatives from your generation (cousins) and older generations.
Paragraph 4: Does your correspondent have a pet? If not, why not? Do you have a pet?
Share your feelings about pets.
Paragraph 5: Ask your correspondent for his or her favorite quotes or thoughts on
life. What are some of your favorite quotes or “words of wisdom.” How do these messages
influence your life choices?
Paragraph 6: Provide a current update on you. This last paragraph will be similar in all
letters. Remind your correspondent that your next letter will arrive in the beginning of
February.
Sincerely,
Your signature in cursive
Your Printed Name
Name: ______________________________________________ Period: ____________
Generations Letters 5 and 6 (February & March): Your Choice
All letters must be typed in Standard English, in proper letter formal, and edited for
spelling and punctuation. Single space your letters and indent each paragraph. These letters
are different from the first four because you are choosing the topics.
Dear _____________,
Your house address
Your City, State, Zip
Date
Paragraph 1: Thank your correspondent for the last letter. Answer any questions
and reflect on something that was shared in the last letter. Let him or her know
that you are picking the topics for the last two letters.
Paragraphs 2 – 4: Choose at least three more topics (one per paragraph) for each
letter. Reread the first four letters from your correspondent and look for holes in his or
her life story – what do you need or want to know more about in order to get a complete
picture? What information will most help you answer the essential questions in your final
reflection letter to Ms. Wages? You may use the suggestions from the letter topics page or
any of the topics brainstormed in class. Always remember to share enough information about
yourself to elicit a substantial response from your correspondent.
Paragraph 5: Provide a current update on you. In letter 5, remind your correspondent
that s/he will be receiving your final letter in the beginning of March.
Sincerely,
Your signature in cursive
Your Printed Name
Letter 7 Final “thank you” letter: In this letter you will thank your correspondent for
contributing to your Generations Project and let him or her know that you will begin working
on your final portfolio as soon as you receive his or her last letter. This is a short letter but
feel free to include anything else you’d like to say to your correspondent. Use the same
letter format for this letter as you did previously! I look forward to seeing your finished
projects, and I know your correspondent will too!
Letter 8 Reflection letter to Ms. Wages: See next page for instructions
Name: ______________________________________________ Period: ____________
Generations Project Final Portfolio Rubric
Due: Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Your final portfolio may be in the form of a scrapbook, notebook, hand-tied booklet, PowerPoint, or
even a Shutterfly book created on-line – the possibilities are endless! As the due date nears, we
will discuss options for creating your final portfolio of letters.
I.




Cover Page – should be creative and reflect your correspondent’s personality!
The name of your correspondent
Birth date
Decorate with photographs of your correspondent at different stages in his/her life
Use color
II. Title Page – basic class information
 Name of Project
 Your Name
 Date Due: May 1, 2013
 Teacher and Class Period
III. Generations Letters & Responses (may be hand written, typed, or emailed but you MUST
type all your letters to your correspondent in proper letter format for your final portfolio)
 Include your letters and your correspondent’s (12 total)
 Arrange the letters in the order they were received from first to last (e.g., letter 1 followed by
response 1, letter 2 followed by response 2 etc.)
IV. Reflection Letter to Ms. Wages
Write a multi-paragraph letter to your teacher following the outline below. Your final draft must be
typed and edited for punctuation and spelling. See Ms. Wages’ “standards of acceptability” if you
need help!
I. Introduction
• Hook your reader with an interesting fact or anecdote about your correspondent
• Briefly summarize your correspondent’s life experience in 3-5 sentences
• Thesis Statement: Learning more about ____________’s life has taught me or has helped me
realize… (Your thesis should express some new insight about the relationship between generations
or a life lesson you have gained as a result of this experience, not a statement of fact about you or
your correspondent.)
II. Body Paragraphs
Be sure to include specific examples and details from your correspondent’s letters to support your
conclusions.
• What is important to your correspondent and also to you?
• How is your thinking similar and different?
• How are your values similar and different?
• How are we, as teens, connected to the older generation and they to us?
III. Conclusion
• What did you most enjoy about this project?
• Why are the bonds between generations worth holding onto, even though it can be difficult at
times?
Name: _____________________________________________Period: ____________
Generations Timeline
In order to successfully complete this project, you are going to have to budget your time and
keep on top of the letter writing. The students who have struggled in the past have
struggled for one reason: they have put off the letter writing. You need to be sensitive
that your correspondent’s time, schedule and life and realize that it may not coincide with
yours! Your letter writing should take approximately 30-45 minutes per month. You have
the entire month of April to put all of the pieces together in for your final presentation.
To help you stay on track, you will need to record: 1) the date you mailed each letter with
parents initials 2) date you received each letter back from your correspondent and 3) your
parents signature once you’ve sent and received both letters for the given month.
Parents and students: please sign below indicating you understand the requirements of
this project. Parents, this project requires your involvement to help keep your student
on track with their letter writing! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact
me.
_______________________________
student name (print)
date
__________________________________
parent name (print)
date
_______________________________
student signature
date
__________________________________
parent signature
date
Month/Letter
Date Sent
Parents please
initial when sent
October: letter 1
Early years
November: letter 2
Growing up
December: letter 3
Adult years
January: letter 4
Current info
February: letter 5
Your choice
March: letter 6
Your choice
April: letter 7 (thank you
letter to correspondent)
April: Reflection letter to
Ms. Wages. Create final
portfolio
May 1, 2013
Date
Response
Received
Parent Signature
Sign ONLY when your child has sent their
letter AND received the response
N/A..but
include if you
get one back!
Write your reflection letter to Ms. Wages
Create your portfolio (notebook, folder, scrapbook, PPT, Shutterfly
etc.) Be creative and see the requirements for the final product!
Final project due to Ms. Wages! No late portfolios accepted!


WHAT DO I DO IF??
What do I do if I can’t find anyone with whom to correspond?
Please let Ms. Wages know as soon as possible. Have you checked with family friends and
church members? Have you checked to see if your parents know someone? If you are still
having trouble, I have recruited some volunteers with whom you may write but I do believe
you will get the most out of this project if you write to someone with whom you are familiar.
What do I do if I write to my correspondent and they don’t write back?
Sometimes people get busy. You may gently remind your correspondent. If there is a reason
why they can not continue writing (illness, etc.), please let Ms. Wages know. You may
complete your project with more than one person if necessary. Do not stop writing if you do
not get a response back. YOUR writing is what will be graded, not that of your
correspondent’s. You may write “No Response” in the above chart for date response
received. ***Consider sending stamps and envelopes with your first letter to your
correspondent for their convenience.
What do I do if I want to e-mail my letters?
Yes, you may e-mail your letters in the form of an attachment but remember, you must
follow the format for letter writing.
What do I do if my correspondent wants to e-mail their response?
Your correspondent may e-mail their response but it is up to you to format it and get it
ready for your presentation.
What do I do if my correspondent does not write in English?
The letters you write for your project must be written in English. However, you may
translate them into a different language for your correspondent. If your correspondent
responds in a different language, you must translate it into English for your presentation.
What if I do not do this project?
You will receive a zero for a project that is worth at least 100 points. It will go in the
homework category and will affect your overall grade for fourth quarter. It may also affect
your overall grade for the year, depending on your earlier quarter grades. You will be
receiving a “spot check” grade during the earlier quarters checking the dates that you have
sent your letters with a parent signature. You will receive a zero for those grades as well.
What if I do the project?
Students who have done the project in the past have been really proud of their work. They
learned a lot more about people they knew and some even formed a closer relationship
through this project. Some students have given a copy of their project to their
correspondent as a gift. Most students will have a keepsake they can treasure and share for
years to come.