Persuasive Writing

One of my favourite types of writing to teach my grade two students is persuasive writing. I really enjoy hearing their opinions (Yes. They've got opinions!) and the reasoning behind their thinking. Our conversations are always very engaging and students begin to debate with one another naturally. I find that using Mo Willem's "pigeon" books is a great way to introduce  persuasive writing because children think the books are hilarious and we can either agree or disagree with the pigeon. 

We used "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late" by Mo Willems to do a visual tug of war. The students were so excited to hear what one another said and to see which side "won". It was very engaging activating activity.

Here is what a few of them said about "Would you let the pigeon stay up late?":

No, I would not let the pigeon stay up late because after he falls asleep I will have peace and quiet.

I would make the pigeon go to bed so he doesn't have read eyes. Yawn, yawn.

No, I would not let him stay up late because it's probably past his bedtime.

I would let him stay up late so we can play together. 

Yes, I would let the pigeon stay up late so we can have a party.

I'd let the pigeon stay up late so he could eat hot dogs with me and my cat.

Our Favourite Books.

February is I Love to Read month. We are celebrating reading this month by reading our favourite books, listening to guest readers, having teacher swaps and a storytelling evening!

Here are some of our favourite books:
My favourite book is iCarley. I like this book because it has funny pictures. iCarley is also a T.V show and I like watching it. -Caydence
My favourite book is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. My favourite part is when the pigeon has rages! I also like the part when he's about to cry. I like playing the Mo Willems app too. -Savannah
My favourite book is called Easter. It is written by David E. Marx. Did you know that Easter only comes once a year on a Sunday in March or April? Also, people who are christian celebrate Easter. They honour a man named Jesus. -Kaitlyn
My favourite book is A to Z Mysteries because it is always about mysteries. At the end of the book, the three kids always solve the mystery. -Blaine
My favourite book is Mr. Popper's Penguins and it was written by Robert Lawson. My favourite part of the book was when Captain was swimming in the bathroom. My favourite penguins were Loudly, Lovely and Captain. -Riley
My favourite book is called the Gingerbread Girl. I like this book because of the song. it goes like this, "I'll run and I'll run with a leap and a twirl, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread girl." She passes lots of animals and people who are trying to catch her, but she passes them because she is brave! -Brooklyn
My favourite book is Big Nate from the Top. I like it because it is a comic book. It's so funny! It is written by Lincoln Peirce. I really recommend this book because it is awesome to read! -Ryan

Comment below and let us know what your favourite book is!