Developmental Letter Instructions -
For this assignment, it is crucial that you use and cite information from the textbook in current APA format. You can be creative and still use specific information from the textbook with citations. You do not need to have a cover letter for this assignment.
In Part 1, you will write a 2-3-page letter by choosing 1 of the following options:
Imagine that you are a parent and that you have a son or daughter who is about to enter adolescence. Because you will soon be leaving on a journey that will prevent you from having contact for the next 10 years, this will be your last opportunity to help your child deal with the changes he/she will be experiencing during puberty and adolescence. You are to write a letter to your son or daughter before you leave on your journey. The letter must be worded so that it can be understood by the child and will give him/her a positive attitude toward the changes to be experienced.
Imagine that you know a child who is about to enter adolescence (e.g., friend, friend of a friend, niece or nephew, youth group member). They have asked you for advice about the changes he/she might expect to experience during puberty and adolescence. You are to write a letter to the child that they can reference any time they need reassurance. The letter must be worded so that it can be understood by the child and will give him/her a positive attitude toward the changes to be experienced.
Imagine that you know someone whose child is about to enter adolescence. They would like your advice about the important things they would need to know to help their child deal with the changes he/she will be experiencing during puberty and adolescence. You are to write a letter of advice that will enable the parent to easily understand and explain to the child. The letter must be worded so that ultimately the child will be encouraged to develop a positive attitude toward the changes to be experienced.
Letter Details:
You are to emphasize the physical changes that take place during puberty and any other advice that you feel is important as the child embarks on his/her journey toward adulthood.
You also have an opportunity to impart some spiritual guidance as the child proceeds through this stage of life. Be strategic in your words. Focus on the points that you consider most important as he/she enters this stage.
Write your letter using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation with well-organized content, supporting your thoughts and facts with information from the textbook and from Scripture.
You can write this assignment in first person to maintain the natural flow of a letter.
In Part 2, you must write a 1-page reflective essay by answering the following questions. Do not write in a question/answer format. This page will follow your letter.
What was the most important aspect that you wanted to convey about development? Why?
What developmental issue did you focus on from the textbook? Make sure to cite the text as appropriate.
How did you feel about this exercise? And why?
Did you see this letter as an opportunity for growth or a warning of peril ahead? Why?
As you wrote this, what was your greatest fear?
What is one area of development that you hope would be achieved during this period of the child's life?