Persuasive Writing

 This was the first time I used the OREO (opinion, reason, explanation/example, opinion restated) graphic organizer to guide students in writing a persuasive essay.  To begin with, after reading the book, "I Wanna Iguana", the students brainstormed ideas about what they wanted or things they wanted to change.  After generating their lists and discussing reasons they could use to persuade someone, they started to write some rough drafts in their journals.


Once students became comfortable with using the OREO and writing persuasive letters, we transferred that skill to our unit in social studies on the Pilgrims.

Students were asked to state opinion as to whether or not other family members should come to join them in the New World.  We put together a class anchor chart of pros and cons about coming to the New World.

 
Students then took a position and wrote a letter back home to a family member.

Here are some examples of their writing.

They made a wonderful hall display right around Thanksgiving.