Blog # 9 Persuasive Writing Circle

                                       

 

Blog # 9 Persuasive writing circle

 

A persuasive writing circle is like a creative enclave for wordsmiths with a penchant for persuasion. Picture it as a gathering of minds, each armed with the power of rhetoric and the art of influence. Members come together to share ideas, critique each other's work, and refine their persuasive techniques. It's a collaborative space where the alchemy of persuasion is dissected, discussed, and enhanced. Think of it as a workshop for honing the craft of convincing others through the written word. Whether it is refining arguments, perfecting appeals, or just revelling in the magic of language, a persuasive writing circle is a haven for those who believe in the persuasive power of prose.

 

A persuasive writing circle typically refers to a community or collective of individuals who share an interest in honing their skills in persuasive writing. This is precisely what we did this week, and it stood out for me. These circles can take various forms; ours took the form of a circle based on the topic you chose to write about. As Members of each persuasive circle came together to discuss techniques, provide feedback on each other's work, and offer support in crafting compelling suggestions to add to each other persuasive pieces of writing. It was a collaborative space where we were able to refine our topics and points. Joining a circle was a valuable way to enhance one's persuasive writing skills. It was an invaluable way to learn from others and receive constructive criticism to improve the overall impact of our individual persuasive writing pieces. I benefited tremendously. What did you get from this strategy? Do share.

If you are interested in this type of strategy in your persuasive classroom, here are a few benefits

1. Critical thinking: engaging in discussions within the group helps students develop critical thinking skills as they analyze and evaluate different perspectives and arguments,

2. Confidence Building: presenting and defending one’s ideas in a supportive environment boosts confidence. Students can refine their ability to articulate and defend their opinions.

3. Diverse Perspectives: exposure to a variety of viewpoints within the group encourages students to consider different perspectives, making their writing more nuanced and well-rounded.

4. Collaborative learning: Collaboration fosters a sense of community and sharing learning. Students can benefit from the collective wisdom and experiences of the group.

Blog # 8 Develop compelling content

 

                          Develop compelling content 

Are you looking for a comfortable and stylish shoe that can be worn for any special occasion, including work? Hand-stitched by experts. Look no further than  THE Shoe Capsule! Our shoes are designed to fit the modern woman’s look and are perfect for the office, date night, Christmas parties, or just hanging out with friends. Our shoes feature a cushioned sole that provides excellent support and comfort, and they are available in various colours and sizes to match any outfit. Whether you are looking for a shoe to wear to work, a New Year’s Eve party or date night, THE Shoe Capsule is the perfect place. So why wait? Order your pair today and experience the comfort and style of our shoes for yourself. 

Hello again, ladies,

In our society today, the internet, including social media, television and radio, bombard us every day with things we need or think we need. Have you ever tried walking down the aisles of a supermarket during the Christmas holidays? The music they play and their decorations are all geared to encourage you to buy more than you intended. 

These tactics are all persuasions which are used to make us purchase more. Let us transfer these tactics in our classrooms. By learning persuasive writing, students can formulate specific reasons for their opinions and research facts related to their opinions. 

Persuasive writing is a form of non-fiction writing that aims to convince readers to believe in an idea or opinion. It is a critical skill for students to learn as it helps them develop logical arguments, use carefully chosen words and phrases, and present their ideas and opinions constructively when writing. Persuasive writing also plays an essential role in our everyday lives, from the TV chef telling us to cook healthy meals to a magazine article detailing why we need to exercise regularly. Each provides a point of view and uses facts to back it up to persuade readers.

Our students have many opinions on things they have seen or heard; their opinions would be different from their peers. Giving them opportunities to share their stance is critical in their development as writers and people in society. Many persons, including students and teachers, considered this the most challenging piece of writing to put on paper. This fact is actual since your stance must be backed with proven facts. Once you get the hang of teaching persuasive writing, it will be more appetizing to students. 

I start with using deserts, and students are asked to look at the menu after eating their meals. Convince their friend why they should choose their favourite dessert. What dessert would they eat and why? Pictures of different deserts are given to them so that they can see. Students write three points and share. Also, I use cross-curricula activities such as writing to the tourism minister and telling him/her why recycling materials in schools is crucial. 

 There are many additional ways to help your students write an excellent, readable, persuasive piece. Feel free to share what you have done or practice in your classroom. I have provided some steps and a video to help guide you.

 

Here are steps to consider when doing persuasive writing with students:

1. Firstly, select a topic; students can be given a variety of topics to discuss and choose from

 

2. Allow students to choose a side; this can be for or against their topic.

 

3. Getting students to understand their point of view, looking at it from both sides.

 

4. Research: When writing, you are writing from the side of experts. Therefore, researching materials and then using the most decisive stance.

 

5. Counter opponents' points; to do this, students must research their opponent’s points. 

 

6. Create a thesis statement, the sentence or phrase to guide your persuasive piece. It must include a subject, conflict and opinion.                                     Video on persuasive writing. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1irs-qY7Uw

Blog # 7 Making up with the 6 + 1 straits

 

Any writer can say that learning the craft of writing is more than enough of a challenge. Teaching that craft to others can be much more difficult. As teachers, we have to do both in order to be effective teachers that get results in the classroom. The 6 + 1 writing Trait is a model to help students learn how to write effectively. According to the model, six key traits make up quality writing and an extra trait. The six traits are ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. The seventh extra trait is presentation.

This week, each blogging group were given the task of presenting one of the writing traits. I compare it to getting ready and putting on makeup.

Firstly, Trait one: Ideas ensure you know where you are going; having that idea will drive the entire makeup and contouring process. Similarly, ideas make up the bulk of the writing—the meaning and development of a piece. Like a well-made face, ideas involve showing to the reader, not telling them. Priming one’s face can help the ideas/makeup stick to it.

Secondly, Trait two is organization; making up one’s face is a process that must be followed step-by-step to get great results. Likewise, this particular trait involves how you structure your piece of writing. It also involves the path guiding the central meaning, the pattern, and the sequence of a piece. The organization is only strong if it fits the ideas, just like choosing and organizing your make in the order you will put them primer, eye colour, foundations, contour, setting spray and lashes.

Trait three: Voice

Mixing foundation is essential in getting the right shade to allow your face to speak and look flawless. Similarly, whenever a writer begins a piece, they write with a particular tone. This is known as their voice. This is where a piece of writing gets its heart, that individual piece of the writer that cannot be copied. Like my shade would not be your shade, get your shade/ voice.

 

 

 Trait four: word choice

Now that we have found our correct foundation shade, we will now use our brush (word choice) to blend it into our skin. This part is critical since you want the makeup to become part of your face. In the same way, a writer’s choice of words can make a significant difference in a work. Not only does word choice show functionality and an understanding of language, but it can move and inform the reader. Keep blending sisters with the right brush/word choice.

 

 

 

Trait five: Sentence fluency

It is essential to know that a piece of writing without rhythm and flow can be awkward and slow a reader’s progress through the piece. In like manner, doing your makeup involves high lighting and contouring; these are to highlight key points on your face. When the light hits, it will glow. Writing with cadence, rhythm, movement, and power will allow the writer to write fluidly, and the reader will be able to read the piece fluidly without pausing to say, “Wait, what was the writer just trying to say?”

 

Trait six: conventions

It is time for our setting powder and spray; these are used to fix what you put on your face. These will allow the makeup to stay on a date night or just out with the girls, just like conventions, which deal with the mechanics of a piece or using it to correct a piece of writing. Five elements are involved: spelling, capitalization, grammar, punctuation, and paragraphing. Keep in mind what setting spray you are using since we all have different types of skin. In like manner, when teaching writing conventions to students, it is vital to keep their grade level in mind. 

 

 

The extra trait: Presentation 

Finally, we are here to finish the touch/presentation, a little eyelash for those who like it. In a nutshell, presentation is how the writing is viewed on paper. Someone whose handwriting is illegible can still likely have their writing rejected, no matter how well-constructed and vivid a piece of writing may be. This trait stood out for me, just like eyelashes or eye colour can make or break a look. A poorly presented work can detour a person from reading a piece. Completing the right step can make or break a look. Technical writers especially pay close attention to presentation as they include plenty of visual aids and graphics along with their text.

Voila!

 

Let us use these makeup/ straits to help build confident writers. As they make giant strides towards lifting their voices and ideas off the pages.