Year 3/4 Bulletin
Task: Persuade Me
(This sequence was completed over three lessons)
Purpose:To identify the language used to persuade my target audience and use persuasive words and phrases. To identify how to begin my sentences in order to persuade my target audience, focusing on organisation and layout of my writing. To be provided feedback and constructive critique in order to improve my writing.
Task:
Students were presented with a list of persuasive arguments, and asked to select a topic. Initially, students were given a scaffold in order to support them in engaging with their topic, creating their main arguments, and backing up their arguments with evidence or examples.
Some of the topics students chose included:
- We should not have a school dress code
- Pets should be allowed in school
- School break times should be longer
- There should be no homework
- The school day should be shorter
- Children should be able to use mobile phones in school
- I should get a pocket money raise from my parents
- All children should learn how to play at least one video game
- Children should have set screen times
Once this was completed, students then transferred their scaffold piece into a succinct, persuasive piece of writing.
Next, students read their persuasive piece to a friend. This provided an opportunity for them to get peer feedback, allowing the students to offer insights into their writing, offering ways in which to improve, clarify or remove parts to make their arguments more effective and succinct.
Students used “feedback cards” to provide feedback to a partner on their persuasive writing.
These included the following;
- Which parts did you like?
- Tell me more
- Tell me less
- Please explain
Feedback on the feedback
“I think it was good that the class doesn't all come up to the teacher and learn how to actually give constructive feedback.” - Archer
“I like how people in my class were honest with each other. It helped me fix up a few mistakes and made my writing way better than before.” - Lachie
“I think it was really helpful as we knew what we needed to improve on. We didn't just have it marked, but we were told what we could improve on and what needed more explanation.” - Miraya
Continuing the learning at home
Continue to have conversations with your child at home about how many contentious points can have two sides. You might like to discuss the concept of “rebuttal”, finding a respectful way to disagree with a point but also raise your own point to counteract this.
Gardening clothing reminder
On Thursdays, the grade 3/4 students work in the garden with Clare and Ariel as part of the Kitchen Garden program. As we know with Melbourne’s weather, it can sometimes be inclement or unpredictable. Please send your child on Thursdays dressed appropriately for being outside in the garden in the morning, with a rain jacket or an extra layer of warmth. This ensures children are as focused and on task as possible, while remaining content and warm. Thank you!
Allira, Mr Cornell and Ruby
Year 3/4 Team
Allira.Zeneli@education.vic.gov.au