Class Full of Thinkers

In our literacy block this morning, we started looking at the art of persuasion in the form of text.  It all started off with a topic in which many of us have strong opinions.  I asked, "cats or dogs?"  "What are two reasons why you prefer one over the other.

At first, only a few students wanted to share their opinions, then before I knew it, I found myself reiterating that other students needed a chance to share their opinions before rebuttals could be expressed.

Then, students went out and were tasked with the hypothetical question, "In your opinion, which animal would be most suitable as a class pet?"

5DC students had 20 minutes to think and write.  For me, this was my chance to look at the different ways students organized their persuasive arguments, and the different strategies students were using to support their opinions.

Students got up and had a chance to read the opinions of others and see how others organized their writing.

What came afterwards was what impressed me most.  Students then began asking questions that would be able to guide their future persuasive writings.  Here are some of the questions that they came up with.

Is electricity really necessary?
Can we not use money?
Should we cut trees down?
Should we mine out all of the metals, crystals and stones from the eath?
Do we really need the internet?
Is Google an unethical company?
Is war necessary?
Do we need electronic gadgets?
Is Petrol necessary?
Is division necessary in life?
Do we need brains in this day of technology?
Does technology need to develop?
Do we need paper?
Do we need ink?

So, instead of writing essays about colours, seasons, and countries, students in 5DC have proven that they can ask questions that are relevant in their own lives.