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Rafe Esquith: Five Tips to Help Children Develop Their Natural Gifts

#688. persuasive essay

Reading/Writing, level: Middle
Posted Thu Jun 17 16:17:03 PDT 1999 by wanda parker (wpa103160@aol.com).
okaloosa regional detention center, crestview, fl
Materials Required: cd or tape of baz luhrman's "something for everyone", cd or tape player, paper, pencil
Activity Time: 1 hour
Concepts Taught: to use critical thinking to learn responsibility; to promote self esteem; and to listen to monologue

Listen to the "Speech" song off of Baz Luhrman's "Something for Everyone" (you can find this at Camelot Music and other popular cd/tape shops). Have students discuss points they agree and disagree with. Have students write a persuasive essay (about 1 page) to persuade you to believe like they do about the opinions offered in the song. My kids (middle school to age 18) loved this activity. It promotes critical thinking, increased self esteem, and writing skills.