Whether students are debating school policies or offering thoughtful advice to their peers, young writers have a lot to say once they realize that their voices matter. During Literacy Week, one Grade 6 class took this challenge to heart through a persuasive writing project that asked them to take a stance on a variety of questions.
What If...🤔
One prompt was simple: What if the school got rid of the hot lunch program?
That one question instantly lit up the room. Some students gasped in horror, others smiled mischievously, and soon everyone had something to say. The class quickly discovered that writing persuasively isn't just about having an opinion. It is about understanding why people might see things differently.
Students began by interviewing classmates, parents, and staff to hear a range of perspectives. A few argued that the hot lunch program helps busy families who do not always have time to pack a meal in the morning. Others pointed out that it provides a sense of fairness, since everyone gets access to a warm, healthy lunch. On the other hand, some students wondered if there might be better ways to use that money, such as adding more field trips or improving the school’s sports equipment. A few even questioned whether students should have more say in what is served on the menu.
We're Rolling! 📹
Once their opinions were drafted, the class took things further by bringing their writing to life. Using Canva, they transformed their pieces into news-style video segments. Suddenly, the classroom felt like a television studio. Students were setting up mock interviews, reading from scripts, experimenting with dramatic music, and editing their clips with flair. The process gave them a sense of ownership and excitement that paper and pencil alone could never match.
When the videos were finally shared at a school assembly, the audience was completely engaged. There were laughs, thoughtful nods, and a few cheers. The presenters stood tall, clearly proud to see their ideas projected on the big screen with their classmates and teachers smiling along.
The Big Picture 🌇
What began as a writing assignment turned into a lesson in empathy, communication, and teamwork. The students learned that persuasive writing is not only about winning an argument, but also about listening, asking questions, and learning to understand the many sides of a story.
As one student put it, “It made me think about how hard it is to make a fair decision when everyone has different needs.”
Projects like this show how powerful it can be when students are trusted to explore real questions that affect their peers and community. By connecting literacy with creativity and giving their work a genuine audience, their teacher helped them see that their words have meaning and can spark conversation, reflection, and even change.
News for Kids, by Kids! 📣
Give your students and yourself some inspiration from CBC Kids News. It’s a news site designed for and hosted by kids covering current events, entertainment, and sports.
