One of the things I love about this unit in persuasive writing is that students really get turned on to writing. One of my brightest students, who has been just writing the minimum all year, told me today that writing is now his favorite subject. The other reason that I know the kids love this unit is because hardly a day goes by that a student doesn't ask me if they can stay in for recess and write! Who wants to stay in at recess - in Florida! - and write? They also ask to write at the end of the day while they wait for buses to be called. Maybe it's because they find their voice with persuasive letters. Or maybe it's because they have a real audience and parents and others tend to respond to their ideas. Whatever it is that gets the children so excited about writing, it certainly is a great way to end first grade!
We will merge persuasive writing with our work in reading with children's author, Mem Fox, by having the children write about their favorite Mem Fox character and book. Their task is to convince their peers which is the best and why. Can't wait to see how it goes!
In our class the children are asking "When is writer's workshop?" as they enter in the morning. This persuasive unit is just the ticket for the end of the year. I haven't seen this much excitement since Santa Claus was coming to town!! :) MM
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