School uniforms: Point-of-view writing

This lesson deals with an issue that is very important to students: school uniforms. It incorporates writing, speaking, and math.

A lesson plan for grade 7 English Language Arts

By Linda Bulluck

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• conduct a survey and graph the results.
• write a point of view paper.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

3 days

Materials/resources

Chart paper, markers, paper, pencil, newspaper or magazine articles on the issue of school uniforms

Technology resources

computer with Microsoft Works (optional)

Pre-activities

The teacher should teach the writing process and introductory point of view lessons.

Activities

1. Have students list and discuss anything that comes to mind when they think about school uniforms.
2. Read and discuss newspaper articles about the issue of school uniforms.
3. Conduct a class survey on school uniforms. Graph the results. Optional: The graphing can be done on Microsoft Works.
4. Point of View prompt: Take a position on whether students should be required to wear school uniforms. As a class, generate a list of reasons for both viewpoints.
5. Students will choose a side: for or against. Pre-write the paper using the most comfortable format (webbing, outlining, listing, etc.).
6. Write the draft. Exchange papers with a partner. Read first to check for Focus, Support and Elaboration, Organization and Style. Do a second reading for Conventions.
7. Revise the paper.
8. Plan and conduct a talk show on the issue of school uniforms. Students will need to assume the following roles: talk show host; panelists-students, parents, administrators, board member; audience members. The host and audience members should generate a list of relevant questions. Panelists should prepare statements and plan responses to anticipated questions.
9. If your school publishes a newspaper, publish student papers in the editorial section.

Assessment

Students will be graded on the accuracy of the graphs. Students’ papers will be scored using the rubric for the NC Writing Test.