Persuasive Writing

Writing to Change the World

What happened when Sophia, a kindergartener in Jackie Kovatch’s class, wrote to Mike Jumper, KLSD's Assistant Superintendent for Business, about putting a roof over Meadow Pond Elementary School's playground so students could play even when it rained?

He wrote back, thanked her for her idea, and suggested the roof might be made of solar panels.

That inspired a class-wide inquiry into solar energy that included Mr. Jumper and other administrators visiting to talk to the students about their solar-inspired ideas.

The exciting exchange showed the kindergarteners their growth as writers and how they could use words to make changes in the classroom, the school, and beyond.

Growing confidence

Dear Mr. Jumper

Dear Sophia

Solar Oven

The students made kale chips in a solar oven. It took two hours.

Solar Panel Town

Students designed and built a “Solar Panel Town” out of blocks and Magna-Tiles.

Petition and Posters

They also wrote a petition for the school to have solar power and created persuasive posters.

Teachers College Reading & Writing Project

Persuasive writing is the culminating unit in the Teachers College Reading & Writing Project (TCRWP) kindergarten curriculum. Its goal is to help young people become avid and skilled readers, writers, and inquirers. This is the third year that KLSD is partnering with TCRWP to raise the level of teaching and learning about literacy instruction.