Warm-Up:

Based on your homework, write a few sentences saying who you think you’ll write your letter to, what you’ll try to persuade him/her/them to do, and why you think it’s important.

5

Assignment:

Hand out the assignment for persuasive letters and review. If you’re extending this beyond the 5-day lesson, include the rubric (attached).

5

(+10 for rubric review)

Model:

Hand out the business letter format (attached) and review, asking for questions.

5

Basic research:

Either with a computer in your classroom or in a computer lab, have students explore the preparedness issues in your community, through a website like http://www.72hours.org/. This is help students develop concrete reasons to get prepared.

20 +

Pre-writing:

Have students list out reasons for preparedness (keeping in mind the audience of the letter). Some students should share their reasons with the class. Then encourage class members to be devil’s advocates, brainstorming counter-arguments (too expensive, too difficult, etc.)

10+

Scaffold:

Hand out Persuasive Letter Outline (attached). Students fill in outline, using the model for format assistance.

15

Closure

Whip around the room, asking students to identify questions and concerns about the persuasive letter assignment.

5+

Homework for the night of Day 4

Students write first draft of persuasive letter, finding addresses and titles, if necessary.