Dear Sixth Grade Self

As my eighth graders discussed the theme of growing up in the novel House on Mango Street, I had them connect the idea to their own lives—How had they grown up? Especially in the transition from sixth to eighth grade?

We started by brainstorming our roles on the board: student, oldest sibling, athlete, chore-doer, responsible, etc.

I created this resource, Dear Sixth Grade Self, which was a letter-writing activity. Students were asked to write a letter to themselves in sixth grade and give themselves advice, comfort, ideas, suggestions, or even tell stories!

I wanted this to be a creative writing activity, so I wasn’t looking to assess it. My focus was more on fun! And I think the kids really enjoyed it! This can be a great resource for students, (7th-12th grade) obviously in connection with House on Mango Street, but even simply as a reflection activity or even start-of-the-year/mid-year activity.

It’s always great to have students reflect on how they’ve grown or what they learned. This worksheet does that, but challenges students to be creative! (And have a good laugh, too!)

Here are some of my students’ examples:

Writing to our younger selves, connecting to the theme of growing up in House on Mango Street.

Students wrote letters to their sixth grade selves after a discussion on growing up with House on Mango Street.

Writing letters to our sixth grade selves giving advice.