When I can add a visual element to teaching ELA lessons, I have found how much faster my students absorb the lesson as the colors or objects just make things click! Opinion and persuasive writing is no different. I use a color-coded structure that gives a visual connection to each part of their writing and allows them to work on each skill in isolation before putting it all together. This method provides just enough structure to make sure students are truly grasping the process, but not so much that you are stifling their
writing creativity.
Check out my Rainbow Writing: Opinion and Persuasive Writing Essay Unit to try it in your classroom!
Along with using my Rainbow Writing color system, I have always found success pairing relevant mentor texts with my writing lessons. Here are a few of my favorite to teach with persuasive writing and the key lessons/topics for each:
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
- Strong reasons to support why and strong opinion language
The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan and Tom Knight
- This has the most humorous take on opposing opinions. On each page she gives an opposing opinion, and argues against it.
Escargot by Dashka Slater and Sydney Hanson
- Another book that has the most humorous take on opposing reasons and examples and uses great academic language.
Be Glad Your Dad…Is Not an Octopus! by Matthew Logelin, Sara Jensen, and Jared Chapman
- Uses great academic language and also provides a humorous take on opposing reasons and examples.
Rise Up and Write It! by Nandini Ahuja and Anoosha Syed
- Note the important topics that you can choose to write about to make a change
Hey Little Ant by Hannah Hoose and Debbie Tilley
- Take note of the good reasons given by the ant.
We Disagree by Bethanie Deeney Murguia
- Provides perspective on how opposing sides see each other’s opinion
Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest by Sarah Hampson and Kass Reich
- Teaches actionable ways to use your opinion
Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton
- Wonderful use of persuasive language, reasons, and examples!
And here's a little FREEBIE to help your students remember different types of phrases they can use to support their opinion and persuasive writing!
Don't forget to save this Pin image so you can easily reference this book list and lessons!
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