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Action Projects ~ Persuasive Letters

SUMMARY: Using their knowledge about the environment, students will choose an issue of ecological importance, identify a person or organization that has influence over the issue, decide what actions they would like to see implemented and write a persuasive letter. DURATION: 1 to 3 weeks GRADES: 2nd-5th

ACTION COMPONENT

When people think about taking environmental action, many think of writing persuasive letters - to elected leaders, companies, organizations or consumers. By learning how to voice their opinions effectively, students become involved in the political process around a variety of issues.

STANDARDS

This project supports a variety of writing standards (specifically the 5th grade requirement for persuasive writing). The project could also address, at a variety of grade levels, the social studies standards that deal with governmental and political processes.

SUGGESTIONS

Unit Overview

What exactly your students write about will depend entirely on the topics you have been studying. However, at any grade level for any topic you can guide your students through the following steps:

  1. Find an issue or issues related to what you have studied in class that connects with your students' interests, concerns or passions.
  2. Guide your students in deciding who their audience will be: Who has the power to make a difference in this issue? Maybe it's the class next door or maybe it's the governor.
  3. Brainstorm with your class what actions they want their intended audience to take to improve the ecological or social situation.
  4. Modeling as needed, guide your students in writing their letters.
  5. Aid your students in delivering their letters and remind them to follow up if needed.
Examples

Here are a few ideas for your students' persuasive letters.

Audience
Topic
Classmates
Use reused paper for scratch paper.
School Peers
Pack Eco-Healthy Lunches for school.
Apartment Neighbors
Use recycling bins.
School Board
Improve nutrition content of school lunches.
City Government
Save local habitat threatened by development.

Writing Directions

My upper elementary students found the following guidelines useful when writing their persuasive letters:

  1. Introduce yourself (who you are and how you are connected to the issue or to your intended audience).
  2. Briefly explain your issue of concern (why you are writing).
  3. Explain how your intended audience is connected to the issue.
  4. Say what you would like them to do (thesis statement).
  5. Write your body paragraphs, each focusing on a different main point or action you would like them to take. Start with your strongest argument.
  6. In your conclusion, briefly remind your intended audience what action(s) you want them to take and thank them ahead of time for considering your ideas.

Remember, you are trying to convince someone to do something they might not really want to do. You definitely want them to read your entire letter. Therefore, while your arguments absolutely must be strong, it is best to write them in a polite way. Don't offend your reader. Also, when at all possible, integrate the self-interest of your intended audience into your arguments. How can your reader benefit from taking the actions you propose?