Unit Plan

Convince Me! A Persuasive Writing Unit for 2nd Grade

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Elementary learners are not often shy about expressing what they want, but they could use a little help organizing their arguments. Help young writers work through a series of persuasive writing exercises that emphasize the importance of knowing one's audience, using evidence to strengthen an argument, and using peer feedback to revise a draft.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Provide prompts for learners to write to their teachers, school administrators, city officials, or parents
  • Bring in examples of opinion writing, including letters to the editor or movie reviews, that connect to relevant subjects for your class
Classroom Considerations
  • Resource mentions using the video version of I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufma Orloff, but reading the story aloud would be an effective substitute if Internet access is not available
  • Unit lasts three weeks
  • Resource is scripted; take the parts you need for your instruction and adjust as necessary
  • One of the reading selections is included for a lesson during the Thanksgiving season, but a substitute book is provided
Pros
  • Focuses on writing to a specific audience as a persuasive writing technique
  • Promotes using persuasive arguments as a way for kids to get what they want
Cons
  • Lesson references a graphic organizer that is not available
Common Core