Kelly's+Unit+Rationale

This looks interesting, but I don't recall seeing a unit proposal for this. To give this unit some focus, you might determine a theme, an audience or a selection of genres for the unit. E.g. Theme "Something you would like to change;" an audience "the school board" or "legislative representative;" or for genres "a proposal to solve a problem," a "public service announcement," a "testimony at a public hearing." Giving context to writing helps students see a purpose for persuasion. 5/5 O.K., I found the proposal and commented on the same page.


 * Persuasive Reading-Writing Workshop**

Teenagers love to argue. Whether it is for a later curfew, a higher grade, or more money, they are constantly fighting for what they want. Rather than shutting this enthusiasm down or classifying it as a "selfish teenager," this is the perfect opportunity to harness it and apply it to something constructive: persuasion.

Through the course of this unit, students will develop the skills to create an educated and informed argument. By enhancing research skills, students will learn how to utilize the resources around them: books, internet, and even primary sources such as first-person accounts. Students will develop fact-based evidence to support the claims they make within their argument.

From this research, students will create essays portraying their fact based opinions in an organized way. This is a tool crucial to developing thoughtful adult conversations and future essays, whether they be on standardized tests, college entrance essays, or within the work force. Students will walk away with the ability to create concrete arguments that lead to thoughtful debates.

Finally, students will present their essays in the form of a Public Service Announcement (PSA). The ability to articulate one's opinion or belief to a group of peers in a direct and concise manner is a tool that will be consistently used from now through adulthood. After extensive research on their subject area, students will become experts on the subject and ultimately the goal is to spark debate on the issue within the class.

Through this workshop, students will also be examining other great persuaders throughout history. Students will be able to identify the components of an effective and ineffective essay or speech and reflect on those contributors within their own work. By studying persuasion, students will be able to develop a critical eye of society, particularly with political issues and debates. This is a tool that will be useful for them as they are coming to the age of active participation within a democratic society. It is crucial to help these young citizens discover their voice and the impact that it can make.

This unit not only aligns with the Michigan State Standards, but it is a unit that integrates Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Communication to create an interactive experience geared towards helping these young minds develop thoughtful arguments for now and the future.