Writing Workshop/ Freebie #5

Today I am going to talk about "Opinion" pieces.

These are sometimes difficult for students to grasp.

Until...you put something in front of them they can't resist.

My colleague, Linda and I put candy to the test. I know, I know, but we couldn't resist and neither could our kiddos!

We showed them a bag of candy. They had to convince us why they should have it.
Included in this writing: friendly letter, opinion, editing, peer editing.
I wished I would have kept their letters so I could have shown you.
We got everything:
...because I am good to my sister
....I listen to my parents
...I am nice to my friends
...I like candy
...you are pretty
...you are the best teacher

We chose the best written one.
It, of course, included that they were going to share it with the rest of the class.
ALWAYS!!!

We also wrote to our principal to "tell" her what improvements could be made to the school. Some of them were so interesting.
~swimming pool
~better food
~playground activities
She wrote back to tell them what could be done and what she was working on. So powerful!

What are some ways you have your students write opinion pieces?

Here are your freebies!