Expand the Possibilities of Genres You Teach · opinion writing · persuasive writing

Opinion Writing: Expand the Possibilities of Genres You Teach

When planning any genre study, we can ponder:  How can the experience children have with this genre become more like the experience they can have with it in the world? In doing so, we can draw from our own experience with writing. We can study the craft of other writers. We can peruse bookshelves. We… Continue reading Opinion Writing: Expand the Possibilities of Genres You Teach

literary essay · paper · personal essay · persuasive writing

Paper Choices for Opinion and Argument Writing: Reaching Your Writers

Providing options for paper allows all your students to do the same type of writing (opinion, persuasive, or argument) in many different ways. Differentiating the materials makes it possible for all your students to do the work--without having to resort to a formula or fill-in-the-blank worksheet.

persuasive writing · speech · Teaching Writing with a Social Justice Lens Blog Series

Writing Speeches to Inspire Change: Teaching Writing With a Social Justice Lens

Persuasive speech writing is a powerful way to show students their voices matter, to use the mandated curriculum as that springboard for thinking critically. But before my students begin to write speeches, there is work to be done.

ELL · persuasive writing · translanguaging

One Voice, Many Languages

"Suddenly, the most beautiful words filled the air. Eva was rehearsing her writing aloud,  in Spanish. I quickly reached for my phone and recorded her, so she'd remember her plans. But Eva didn’t need that. The words came right back, this time, on paper."

argument writing · immersion · informational writing · narrative · persuasive writing · picture book · poetry · primary grades · Read Aloud

Teaching the Four Types of Writing Through Texts

Janiel Wagstaff's books will help you teach primary writers about the four types of writing in an engaging way. Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win her series of Stella books.

expository · opinion writing · persuasive writing

Politics, Heated Debate, and Most Importantly: Angling Evidence to Support Persuasive Writing

To be an effective democratic citizen, the ability to engage in debate is crucial. For anyone remotely interested in politics (don't worry, I won't stay on this topic long, I promise!), debate is a hot topic as of late. The primaries are in full swing, and the shows candidates put on in the party debates are… Continue reading Politics, Heated Debate, and Most Importantly: Angling Evidence to Support Persuasive Writing

argument writing · mentor texts · opinion writing · persuasive writing · picture book

A New Mentor Text for Opinion Writing

Finally! I've found a new picture book I can use in opinion writing units of study. Learn more about One Word from Sophia by Averbeck and Ismail in this post. Then, leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of this book.

historical fiction · informational writing · persuasive writing · social studies

Writing History in Many Forms

Want some fresh ways to channel your students to write about history? This post offers some light and fast tips that could easily be turned into weighty and meaningful instruction.