How to teach persuasive writing
Have students listen to or read examples of persuasive writing. Together, listen and look for words, phrases and techniques that helped the writer persuade the listener.
Brainstorm something that is important to an individual child or the group. Is it extra recess? Another chapter of the read aloud? The potential closing of a library? The more authentic the issue, the more passionately your students will write.
Once the important privilege is chosen, have the child (or class) start to list reasons why they should be allowed this privilege. "Just because," and "because I like it" should not be considered valid reasons. Students can work together to generate at least three good reasons to support an argument. This list of persuasive words (44K PDF)* and phrases from the site Teaching Ideas may help get students started.
Have students do some research to gather facts or examples that support their reasons.
Have students summarize their position.
This site outlines how to teach persuasive writing to students.
