This document provides instructions for a weekly activity called "DMD" where students write letters to their parents about their life in school. Each Friday, students will write a letter telling their parents about what they did that week, what they thought and felt about various experiences, and asking questions. Parents will then read the letters over the weekend and write a response. The goal is for the letters to give parents insight into their child's experiences and development as a writer over the course of the school year.

1. DMD
A fun weekly
activity that
keeps your
parents in touch
with life
in Smartia!!!
But what does DMD stand for ???????

2. Dear Mum and
Dad…!!!
Getting any ideas yet ???!!

3. Each Friday, you will write a
letter to your parents, telling
them all about life in Smartia…
Your parents will then have
some fun homework over the
weekend …

4. … reading and replying
to your letter!!!
How cool is that ?!
(they can write to you in English or
their first language, if you want  )

5. More than just a “newspaper
reporter” style where you only
make a (boring) list of things you
did that week…
Let them INSIDE your BRAIN… (what did
you think about… what questions were you
asking yourself… etc.
Let them INSIDE your HEART… (what were
you feeling about something… WHY did
you like/dislike something… etc.)

6. It will be fun to watch your
DMD book grow fuller and
fuller over the year, just as you
will grow as a writer as the year
goes on… !!
(as much as possible, bring the DMD
book back every Monday - train
your parents to reply to your letter )

7. Remember these important parts of a
letter …
 Date ex. August 20, 2009
 Dear Mum and Dad, (notice the comma !!!!)
 INDENT the first sentence by lining it up under the
comma of “Dear Mum and Dad,
 INDENT the second paragraph
 end off with a CLOSING SALUTATION
ex. Your friend,
(notice the capital letter and comma !!!!)
ex. Hugs and kisses,

8. ENJOY !!