Bridget Callahan

4000 Central Florida Blvd

954-***-****
bridget.callahan@knights.ucf.edu
October 9, 2014
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Callahan
4720 Griffin Street
Florida
Dear Mom and Dad,
Earlier today, I was reading for an assignment in my ENC1101 class in my
Writing about Writing book. The reading was titled, Activity Theory: An
Introduction for the Writing Classroom, written by Donna Kain and
Elizabeth Wardle. In the reading, I learned about many things. One
important thing I learned about was something called activity theory.
Activity theory was originally a psychological theory that sees all aspects
of activity as shaped by peoples social interactions with each other and the
tools (including writing and language) that they use. In the reading it also
states that activity theory gives you a lens for looking at an object or
happening and understanding it in new ways, just as all theories do. When
reading this I thought about how our family takes into account looking at
things in new ways. I also related activity theory to our family because of
how sociable we are.
Another thing I learned in this reading is what an activity system is. An
activity system is the most basic activity theory lens, or unit of analysis. It is
defined as a group of people who share a common object and motive over
time, as well as the wide range of tools they use together to act on that object
and realize that motive. I related the activity system to all of the teams I have
been on, especially UCF. Each one of us are working towards one common
goal. Therefore, we are considered an activity system. I hope you guys
learned as much as I did!
Your daughter,
Bridget