What's Going on in Writing?

Since we've been back from break, students have been busy putting their persuasive writing skills to the test.  They've completed several persuasive letters and essays - including debating whether child beauty pageants were harmful or worthwhile and if gifted students should be moved into higher level classes with much older classmates.  The final persuasive essay and poster project is a topic that your student felt was important to this school or this community.  After choosing his/her topic, your student devised a thesis statement, created a pro/con T-chart, and began drafting their essay.  Now we are typing the essays, beginning to peer edit, and creating the poster portion of the persuasive project. 

Please note: ALL Writing students must bring a poster board to class by next Monday! I've reiterated with your student that I'm not interested in fancy trifold boards or even foam boards. A simple, cheap posterboard is all they need. The instructions for the persuasive poster project is listed below: 

Since most middle school kids aren’t going to stop in the hallway and read a two-page essay about your persuasive topic, you will be creating a fun and eye-catching poster to get them to become interested in what you have to say.

Your poster should include:
 A creative title – not just “Bigger Lockers” or “No AR”
 A catchy slogan that will help viewers remember your topic
 Your typed essay attached to the poster
 Your 3 pros listed somewhere on the poster
 2-4 pictures – no more or no less
 Bright colors and appealing decorations

You will need to present your poster on a poster board. Remember, you can reuse the back of a board that you’ve previously used. You will also be responsible for a short (2-3 minutes) presentation of your poster where you explain your topic, why you think the change is important and your pros for making the change. The presentation counts for 20% of your overall grade, so be prepared. Absolutely no reading directly from the poster – or you will not receive credit for the presentation!!

One last thing:  For this project, students will be doing ALL of the work in-class. I'm very interested to watch them work their way through the project individually and how they deal with potential issues or problems.  Thanks for understanding!