How to Teach Argumentative Writing to Elementary School Students

Teaching argumentative writing to elementary school students is crucial. It will teach them how to think logically, how to express themselves in a constructive way and how to organize their ideas on paper. They can even use their argumentative writing. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have the class come up with a topic that interests all of them. It should be something relevant to elementary school students, such as "should teachers give out homework" or "should kids have bedtimes." Write the topic on the board.
2. Have students brainstorm reasons for both sides of the argument. List those reasons on the board.
3. Have students vote on which side to argue. As a class, pick out the 3 best reasons for your side of the argument as well as the best reason against it.
4. Brainstorm ideas refuting the counter-argument. Pick the best one.
5. Write an argumentative paragraph together as a class. There are several different ways to write a one-paragraph argumentative essay; but all of them are pretty easy after you have done your brainstorming. The position the class is taking, each reason for it, the counter-argument, the reason it is wrong, and the conclusion each get one sentence. The entire paragraph should be 7 sentences long.
6. Have each student write his own argumentative paragraph.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to include a rubric, indicating how the argumentative writing assignment will be graded.