Persuasive Writing in Action

We are working on persuasive writing right now in class. Otherwise known as:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1a Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1b Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1c Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1d Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

We have been reading persuasive texts, watching commercials and videos, writing as a class and practicing it on our own. They are getting great at identifying all of the parts we will need when move on to our own projects. 

Before we do that though, we wrote a persuasive essay as a class, kind of a shared writing. We did the outline, then wrote it. We decided to write about the fact that our classroom needs more computers, see why here. 

Here is the best part: Then we turned it into a Donors Choose project! My students are persuading REAL people to give them money! Talk about the power of persuasion and giving an assignment meaning! Not only are my students seeing an amazing application for their knowledge but we (fingers crossed) may be able to get two new computers out of it. 
They already love checking in to see if we have any new donors. I am working on a persuasive writing unit and you better believe this will be a component. 

Do you have any great ways to apply persuasive writing?