We've clarified the difference with the kiddos and let them know if they want to try to persuade their readers, that's just dandy.
We've also been doing mini lessons with commas:
They're doing pretty well with these language standards! I'm hoping they'll apply their knowledge in their writing, since that's a great way to see if they truly understand the skill.
I modeled writing my opening:
It really helps my kids to see my example and color code the different parts (opinion and reasons).
Yes, I wrote about football. I think it's important to model real writing and for me, I would write about football. It's more authentic because they know I'm passionate about my sports and as writers, we write about things we know. I don't think they'd take the lesson as seriously if I wrote about why you should buy a pre-owned car instead of a new one. Yes, I could write about how it's cheaper, etc but I wouldn't be super interested in the topic. It wouldn't feel genuine to me and they'd pick up on it. It's important to bring a piece of yourself into the classroom and spread the joy of learning.
