In our Opinion & Persuasive Writing Unit, fifth grade writers engaged in thought-provoking debates, learned how to construct a reasoned and organized essay, and defended their positions in front of their peers. In order to best consider how to persuade, we first explored how to appeal to an audience’s ethos (admiration), pathos (emotions), logos (logic), and kairos (effective timing) by analyzing commercials. What persuasive appeal is used in that famous Sarah McLachlan ASPCA commercial? What about Apple’s iPhone 11 ad? Coca Cola’s seasonal Santa spots?

To get the creativity flowing, students were assigned a number of “Would You Rather” scenarios; after their quick writes were complete, lively banter ensued as points and counterpoints exploded around the room. It was a funny and high-energy way to dip our toes into the world of opinion writing. Would you rather time travel 50 years into the future or 50 years into the past? Would you rather live in Narnia or attend school at Hogwarts?

Students then participated in a silent Persuasive Gallery Walk. Various posters around the room asked them to consider a number of meaty issues and then reply directly on the paper. This was a compelling and reflective way to organize beliefs in a safe and indirect way. Questions like, “Should football be banned?” and “Do violent video games create more violent kids?” made the fifth graders pause and consider a number of perspectives on a given topic, which was enhanced by having the ability to see their peers’ responses as well.

Finally, the students were asked to pick a topic that they were passionate about. This could be one that we had discussed previously or something new and authentic to their interests. Our writers were then guided through crafting persuasive essays. Through the use of writing organizers, templates, and outside research, effective essays were composed around a wide range of issues: presidential term limits, single-use plastics, screen time for kids, and more! To conclude our unit, all students were tasked with sharing their persuasive arguments to the class using their “PVLEGS” skills – poise, voice, life, eye contact, gestures, and speed. The fifth graders relished the opportunity to have meaningful mini-debates around issues they care about, and many gained the added reward of changing a few hearts and minds in the process!