Overview

Participants watch short videos of students reading "letters to their middle school selves" about what they wished they had known when they were younger. Then, participants write their own. Although the clips in this lesson are high school students writing to their middle school selves, it is also appropriate for younger students — middle schoolers can write to their grade school selves, for instance.

Objectives

• Participants will watch video clips of students in dialogue with their younger selves

• Participants will reflect on their own experiences and challenges

• Participants will write a short letter of their own in dialogue with their recent past

Subjects

English, social emotional learning, creative writing

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class

Grade Levels

Grades 6-12

Introduction

Producers at NewsHour's Student Reporting Labs asked students across the country to write a letter to middle school versions of themselves. These letters provide advice on issues like mental health and relationships.

Watch some or all of the clips below, and then write a 3 or 4 paragraph letter to yourself at a younger age. Your letter can be advice, recall important memories or it can be whatever you want to make of it. Note that this letter is just for you — any sharing in the class should be voluntary.

Student videos (15 minutes)

Meera Varma , Los Angeles, California

Matt Suescun , Hackensack, New Jersey

Charlotte Fellingham , Lincoln, Rhode Island

Ashley Sousa , Cold Spring, New York

Faith Christy Soliven , Kahului, Hawaii

Tiffany Sagucio , Kauai, Hawaii

Main activity (20 minutes)

Now that you've seen some examples, try writing your own letter. You don't have to imitate any of the clips above, and you can choose the purpose of the letter — it can be consoling, funny, a boost of confidence or a piece of advice, whatever you want to make of it. Your letter will just be for you, so feel free to express yourself.

Reflect (10 minutes)

Once everyone has had a chance to finish their letters, discuss the experience. Remember, no one should have to read their letters to the larger group unless they want to. Otherwise, think about the following questions and share your thoughts:

• How did the activity make you feel?
• What surprised you about the process of talking to a younger version of yourself?
• Did writing the letter help change your perspective on your earlier life? On your current life?

Student Reporting Labs' Jaylah Moore-Ross compiled the content of this lesson.