Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Which Pet Should We Get? Common Core Persuasive Writing Unit

This writing project is a perfect way to incorporate Common Core writing standards into our classrooms! Students are introduced to opinion writing, and given the prompt, "Which pet should our class get?" 

Students research each pet (hamster, fish, and hermits crab) in order to make an informed decision about which pet they feel would be best for their classroom. They research using QR codes that take them to teacher-chosen websites and videos where they can learn about each pet. 

After many discussions as a class and with one another, students choose the pet they want for the classroom and complete a persuasive writing piece. 

The teacher models each step of the writing process through think alouds and shared writing. 

Check out a quick video of how we started this unit here: 



Common Core Anchor Standards included in this project are: 

Writing (1) Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence. 

Writing (4) Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Writing (5) Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. 

Writing (8) Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism. 

Writing (9) Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. 

The apps included in this project are:


KidRex.org is another kid-friendly search engine website! 




A QR code scanner like Qrafter 

Or Redlaser 

Here are some student samples of the final projects! 


You can find all of the QR codes and resources to complete this project with your class {HERE}! 


Let us know which pet your class ends up getting! 

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