Whenever you write to a family member or a friend, your letter should include the following parts:

• heading -- address and date just to the right of the middle of the letter
  
• salutation -- Dear Name, -- if word processing, skip two lines below the heading and begin flush with the left margin; if writing by hand, skip a space and begin flush with the left margin
  
• body -- the main part of the letter in which you write about your information and ideas; remember that to be terrific, you must be specific! -- if word processing, skip one line after the salutation and skip one line between paragraphs; when writing by hand, you do not need to skip these spaces; indent paragraphs
  
• closing -- Love or Affectionately or Your granddaughter or Your best friend or something similar followed by a comma -- capitalize only the first word and begin the closing directly below the heading
  
• signature -- write (by hand) your first name only below the closing

Use nice stationery, write by hand with an ink or gel pen whenever possible, and use your best handwriting.

Example Letter

                                                                            12 Cherry Lane
                                                                            Anytown, LA 77777

Dear Auntie Em,

   I had such a wonderful time in Kansas that I wanted to write and let you know. I loved the whirlwind ride at the county fair. All of my friends want my cowardly lion that Uncle Lester won for me on the midway. I sleep with the lion every night.

   I hope you and Uncle Lester can come visit me next summer. We'll go to Emerald City Fun Fair and eat popcorn and cotton candy.

                                                                            Love always,