Walter Dean Myers

Myers has been writing since he was a child. He was first published in 1969 and has since published books for children and young adults. Two of his books have received Newbery Honors. His books focus on growing up in challenging environments.

You are going to write a thank you letter, as Walter, to one of the teachers who helped him in 5th and 6th grade.

Let’s use a RAFT to help us…

Role:

Audience:

Format:

Topic:

Consider how each teacher helped you. Fill in specific details from Bad Boy. You may also include inferences about how specific details affected your life. These will be the things you thank the teacher for in your letter.

How Mrs. Conway Helped

How Mr. Lasher Helped

Create a “Do” and “Do Not” list for your letters to the teacher.

Do Do Not

Remember, use the voice of the adult Walter, who is a successful writer.

Use an appropriate salutation: Dear Mrs. Conway / Dear Mr. Lasher

Get to the point. Say why you are writing and include some of your accomplishments – but don’t brag!

Be specific about your appreciation for your former teacher.