persuasive essay kindergarten

Teach Starter, part of Tes Teach Starter, part of Tes

Search  everything  in all resources

10 Best Children's Books For Teaching Persuasive Writing

Written by Holly (Teach Starter)

Are you looking for some engaging children’s books for teaching persuasive writing? Logic-based with some emotions thrown in, persuasive writing is a skill that will serve young writers throughout elementary school, high school, and well beyond — whether they are looking to become writers or just need to write a report at work. And there’s plenty of inspiration to be found in some of their favorite children’s books, from the classics to some newer additions to the classroom library.

You’ll inspire your students to be as convincing as they possibly can during opinion and argumentative writing  with our top 10 books for persuasive writing. These children’s books highlight some of the most entertaining persuasive language features, including a compelling hook, exaggeration, anecdotes, and counterarguments.

Students will love listening to these stories and studying the persuasive language devices used!

The Best Books for Teaching Persuasive Writing

The day the crayons quit – by drew daywalt.

Poor Duncan. He wants to color, but his crayons have flown the coop!  Drew Daywalt’s classic story of the day the crayons decided they’d just about had enough is both a great story and a great writing prompt. Red Crayon is a persuasive narrator, telling us how overworked he is while advocating for his fellow crayons. The book plays heavily on emotional language that your students can learn from.

To put it into practice, students can write letters from Duncan to his crayons or vice versa! Encourage your students with some emotional language examples .

The Perfect Pet – By Margie Palatini and Bruce Whatley

Elizabeth really, really wants a new pet! She campaigns with her parents to find the right pet!

Until Doug comes along – the most unusual, perfect pet of all! Like I Wanna Iguana , this offers the opportunity to talk about pets, but to change things up, consider challenging your students to write letters about why something will not work for their family. Do they really want a tiger to move into an apartment? Why is an elephant the wrong animal to live in a snowy climate?

Grab this printable persuasive writing template: A Turtle for a Pet ! 

Eat Your Peas – By Kes Gray

It’s dinnertime! Daisy knows what her mom is going to say even before she says it…”Eat your peas!!!”

Challenge your students to play the mom in this situation. What would they say to convince their child to eat those green veggies? This is a great chance to work on adjectives in writing — peas are delicious, nutritious, yummy, or even just healthy!

I Wanna Iguana – By Karen Kaufman and David Catrow

Alex is desperate to adopt his friend’s baby iguana. Through a cute exchange of notes, Alex and his mom use persuasive language to support their side of the argument!

This is another must-read during the teaching of persuasive writing, and it can open the door to writing about a classroom or home pet. Combine this with your letter writing unit, and challenge your students to make the case for a new animal in the home or in your classroom. Challenge your students to think carefully about the words they will use to persuade a parent/guardian or you.

Some phrases they might want to use include:

• What needs to be done/what we need to do. . .
• I ask you to think about . . .
• I am writing in order to . . .

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – By Mo Willems

In this adorable story, the bus driver takes a break and gives the reader one instruction…”Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!”

But, boy…that pigeon is a cheeky persuasive little thing! Put your students in the role of playing bus driver. What should they say to convince them that a pigeon shouldn’t take the wheel of the bus? We love letting the class vote: Should the pigeon drive the bus or not? The majority rules, and each student should then write a persuasive argument for the winner. This challenges kids to sometimes take a side they wouldn’t otherwise, which can help broaden their skills.

This is a great time to talk about evocative verbs . What happens when the pigeon drives the bus? Will he crash, collide, or smash up the town?

Hey, Little Ant – By Phillip and Hannah Hoose

What would you do if the ant you were about to step on looked up and started talking? Taking the form of a debate – a powerful tool for persuasive writers — that’s exactly what happens in this book. The ant states a compelling persuasive case for its survival while the kid’s friends gather around to taunt him for hesitating! Your students can write from multiple angles on this one: the ant’s, the “stepper’s” or even the taunting friends. Make a T-chart, and encourage your students to come up with reasons why the ant should be squished … or not!

I Wanna New Room – By Karen Kaufman and David Catrow

This is the funny companion to I Wanna Iguana ! Ever since their baby sister came along, Alex has been forced to share a room with his little brother Ethan, and it’s not going so well!

Alex wants a new room! Many of your students will be able to relate, and you can challenge them to write about their own experiences. Already have their own room? They can write about something they would like to add to their room or to the home.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs – By Jon Scieszka

There are two sides to every story, and when the Big, Bad Wolf, takes the stand he finally gets his say. He tries to persuade everyone that he is the victim in this whole story! This is a perfect example of a counterargument to present to your students, and an opening to challenge them to take an unusual stand.

Some writing prompts to come out of this:

• Write about why a popular villain is really the “good guy/girl.”
• Write about why breakfast is NOT the most important meal of the day.
• Write about why the sky isn’t really blue!

Otto Runs for President – By Rosemary Wells

In this children’s story, it’s election time, and as the title suggests Otto runs for president! While the popular Tiffany and athletic Charles make increasingly outrageous promises in their campaigns for President of Canine Country Day School, Otto quietly enters the race, vowing only to try to do what students really want. A great book to read around election season, this can also be read mid-year to talk about how persuasion is about getting someone on your side or getting them to support your cause. Challenge your students to write about why they think Otto won and whether they would have voted for him or not.

Be a Friend to Trees – By Patricia Lauber

This is a nonfiction option to discuss persuasive language and a fantastic story that discusses the importance of trees as sources of food, oxygen, and other essential things. A great way to turn an ecology lesson into a writing prompt, your students can develop a poster or write a letter using this story about why we should be friends with trees.

Download a free Why Plant a Tree? poster for the classroom to give your students inspiration. 

Building your classroom library? Here are some other reading recommendations:

• Books for  Teaching About Character Traits
• Books  About Love
• Books for  Teaching Procedural Writing
• Books by AAPI Authors
• First Day of School Books
• Age Appropriate Books for Teaching About Body Boundaries
• Books to Hook Reluctant Readers
• Engineering Books for Kids
• Books With  Female Protagonists

We would love to hear from you about what children’s books you use in the classroom to help teach persuasive writing!

See our full array of persuasive writing teaching resources available for download now.

30 Buzzing Facts About Bees to Excite Kids About Nature

Everyone benefits from the busyness of bees which is why these bee facts will help inspire your students to appreciate and protect them!

21 Epic Last Day of School Activities to Kick Off Summer Break

Looking for easy last day of school ideas for elementary or middle school? These quick and fun end of year classroom activities will help you finish off your year just right!

70 1st Grade Books to Add to Your Classroom Reading Corner This Year

Wondering which 1st grade books you should add to your classroom library? Look no further! We have a list of 70 that are teacher (and student) approved!

22 Fun Groundhog Facts to Share With Your Class on Groundhog Day

Need fun groundhog facts to share with your students this Groundhog Day? Find out what groundhogs eat, where they live and why we let them predict the weather!

How to Teach 1st Grade — The Ultimate Guide to What to Do, What to Buy and What to Teach

Looking for tips on teaching first grade? Our comprehensive 1st grade teacher guide will answer all your questions from what to buy to how to prepare for the first day of school and what to do throughout the school year.

10 Best Pencil Sharpeners for the Classroom — Recommended by Teachers

Need new pencil sharpeners in your classroom? We've rounded up 10 best pencil sharpeners recommended by teachers to get you started.

Get more inspiration delivered to your inbox!

Sign up for a free membership and receive tips, news and resources directly to your email!

Persuasive Writing Examples and Prompts for Kids

Is your student stepping into the world of persuasive writing? 

As a parent, it’s fun to watch your child learn the art of forming and supporting an argument. 

(Plus, it’s a significant step toward critical thinking.)

If they need extra help, here are a few persuasive writing examples for kids along with 20 writing prompts to make it fun!

Why Persuasive Writing Is Important for Elementary Writers

Teaching persuasive writing is important because it’s a fundamental step in helping your child think critically. 

By arguing a topic, your student will need to examine both sides, which is an essential component of critical thinking. Persuasive writing also inspires formation of opinion and sharing that opinion effectively.

Students as young as elementary-school age can learn to write persuasively. In fact, we’ll share some quick examples of persuasive essays for kids below. 

First, let’s discuss the structure of a “mini” persuasive essay. 

(If you have an older student, read our step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive essay .)

A Simplified Structure for Persuasive Writing 

Of course, expectations and writing guidelines become more involved for older students, but elementary-aged students should keep it simple. 

The basic features of persuasive writing can be broken down into 5 steps:

• Topic sentence
• Opening argument 1
• Concluding statement

A topic sentence introduces the argument and clearly expresses the writer’s viewpoint. For a younger child, this is simply a straightforward statement that clearly expresses “this is my opinion.”

The next three steps list “pros” that support their topic statement. Each argument should be distinctly stated. 

Again, for an elementary-aged student, arguments can be brief and can simply be a list of reasons. 

The concluding statement wraps up by summarizing the arguments and restating the opinion. 

If this method of persuasive writing sounds complicated at first, rest assured, it’s not. 

Let’s look at how you can easily reinforce this structure for your students, along with some examples.

Homeschool Mom Tip: Use a “Persuasive Text Structure” Poster

One effective method of teaching and reinforcing the persuasive writing model is by using a “persuasive structure” chart or poster. 

A visual representation of the steps involved in persuasive writing is important for a few reasons:

• Some students learn best visually. It helps them understand and remember the method when they see it laid out in front of them.
• Graphic illustrations of the different components allow students to take in one piece at a time and avoid overwhelm. 
• Hanging the poster where your children do their schoolwork makes it easy for them to reference the structure while they’re writing. 
• Knowing the poster is nearby in case they get stuck helps make writing a calmer process.

One other tip I recommend is breaking up essay-style writing with creative writing assignments. ( Try these one-sentence writing prompts! ).

Kid-Friendly Persuasive Writing Examples

Along with tools like a poster, providing simple examples of persuasive writing is another helpful way to teach this new concept. 

Here are a few examples of elementary-level persuasive paragraph examples that will give both you and your student an idea of what to expect. 

Example 1: A Persuasive Argument About Cats

Cats are the best pets. They can be left alone all day without getting mad. Cats don’t bark, so they are not noisy like dogs. You don’t have to let cats go outside to use the bathroom. As you can see, cats are less work and easier to take care of than dogs.

Example 2: A Persuasive Argument About Meal Choices

French fries should be served with every meal. First, French fries are delicious. Second, French fries are made of potatoes, which are vegetables, and they can air-fried without oil. Also, French fries don’t cost a lot of money. Because they are tasty, cheap, and can be cooked in a healthy way, French fries a perfect side dish to every meal.

Example 3: A Persuasive Argument Against Littering

You should never litter because it is wrong. Littering pollutes the Earth. Littering is throwing trash around outside, which looks ugly. Littering can also make you sick if it has germs on it. Littering is wrong because it makes the world a dirty, unsanitary place to live.

20 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Kids 

When you provide a step-by-step structure and supply examples of what is expected, you set your student up for writing success.

The final step in teaching persuasive writing to kids effectively is to present them with an antidote to the dreaded blank page. 

To assist you with that, we’ve come up with 20 persuasive writing topics for your students to make it easier for them to get them started on their persuasive essays. 

If they can’t come up with their own topics, one of these prompts should spark their interest. 

These ideas for persuasive essays cover a wide variety of topics, so there should be something for everyone. 

Plus, since persuasive writing is closely related to debate, you can also use these prompts as persuasive debate topics for kids :

• I deserve to be paid for my chores.
• Hamsters are the best type of pet. 
• Everyone should eat a salad daily. 
• Board games help you learn.
• Kids need free time to relax and play.
• You should always obey speed limits.
• Every family should have a dog.
• Dinner should always end with dessert.
• Homeschool students should get “snow days” as well. 
• Kids should choose where the family spends summer vacation.
• I am old enough for a later bedtime.
• All students should learn a second language.
• School should only be 4 days per week.
• Soda is bad for you.
• I am responsible enough to learn how to cook.
• My cat should be allowed to sleep on my bed.
• Kids should be allowed to vote in their local elections at age 16.
• I am old enough to babysit and be paid.
• You should always wear a seatbelt in the car.
• Pizza is a healthy food.

I hope these persuasive texts and prompts for kids are helpful to you! 

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to provide a few persuasive paragraph examples for your students to gain inspiration (and eliminate overwhelm).

If your student is entering 6th grade or above , we have a complete course that teaches students to write skillfully, think critically, and speak clearly as they explore the history of ideas! As a bonus in these dark days, Philosophy Adventure also teaches students to discern truth from error:

will your children recognize truth?

About the author.

Jordan Mitchell

TRANSFORM YOUR CLASSROOM WITH OUR BACK TO SCHOOL ESSENTIALS

We're here to help

• [email protected]
• Modern Ocean
• Daisy Gingham Neutrals
• Daisy Gingham Pastels
• Boho Rainbow
• Boho Plants
• Modern Jungle
• Spotty Brights
• Spotty Boho
• Spotty Pastels
• Google Slides
• Lesson Plans
• Organization
• Units of Work
• Worksheets & Templates
• Back to School
• Classroom Management
• Growth Mindset
• Inclusive Classrooms
• Mathematics
• New Teachers
• Student Goals
• Affirmation Stations
• Birthday Displays
• Bunting & Lettering Packs
• Calendars & Seasons
• Door Displays
• Visual Timetables
• Binder Covers
• Classroom Labels
• Reading Groups
• Student Name Tags
• Teacher Toolbox Labels
• Trolley Labels
• Alphabet Posters
• ASL Posters
• Auslan Posters
• Editable Posters
• English Posters
• Math Posters
• Motivational Posters
• Welcome Posters
• SHOP BY Theme
• SHOP Bundles
• FREE RESOURCES

Persuasive writing topics to help your students become better writers

Persuasive writing is an essential skill that students in primary and elementary school must develop early on. It not only helps them become better writers but also teaches them to think critically and express their ideas.

For young students in particular, it can be challenging to find unique and inspiring persuasive writing topics that will capture the attention and imagination of our students. So today I’ve compiled a list of 10 ideas for persuasive writing topics that are easy, relevant, and sure to inspire your students' creativity and critical thinking skills.

The benefits of teaching persuasive writing in primary/elementary school.

Persuasive writing in primary and elementary school is not only important, but it's also super exciting! It's a fun way to help students develop critical thinking skills, boost their confidence, and encourage creativity.

Teaching students how to persuade others can be a game-changer for their academic and personal lives. By learning how to analyze information and make informed decisions, students will be able to navigate the world around them with greater ease. Furthermore, when students are empowered to express their opinions and back them up with evidence, it can be a transformative experience that boosts their confidence and inspires them to engage more fully in their academic and personal lives.

Similarly, persuasive writing can inspire students to take an active role in the world around them. By teaching them how to take a stance on important issues and participate in public discourse, we can help them become more informed and active citizens who are equipped to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.

How cute is Miss Grosse’s literacy section in her classroom! When teaching kids about persuasive writing, resources like text types posters shown here are super valuable visual aids. 

10 engaging and simple persuasive writing topics for kids. 

1. Should students be allowed to bring their own toys to school?

Many students have a favorite toy or stuffed animal that brings them comfort and joy. A persuasive essay could argue that bringing personal items to school could make students feel more at home and improve their overall school experience.

2. Should students be required to do community service?

Community service can be a great way for students to learn about social responsibility and civic engagement. A persuasive essay could argue that requiring community service would help students develop a sense of empathy and responsibility towards their community.

3. Should students be allowed to use social media in school?

Social media has become a prominent part of daily life, especially for young people. A persuasive essay could argue that using social media in school could help students develop their communication skills and keep them connected with peers.

4. Should schools have a composting program?

Composting is an environmentally-friendly way to reduce waste and nourish the soil. A persuasive essay could argue that having a composting program in schools could teach students about sustainability and environmental responsibility.

5. Should schools have a mandatory physical education program?

Physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and wellbeing. A persuasive essay could argue that having a mandatory physical education program in schools could help students develop healthy habits and prevent health problems.

6. Should students be allowed to choose their own books to read for class?

Allowing students to choose their own reading materials can help them develop a love of reading and improve their comprehension and critical thinking skills. A persuasive essay could argue that allowing students to choose their own books could lead to greater engagement and enthusiasm for learning.

7. Should schools have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying?

Bullying can have serious and long-lasting effects on its victims. A persuasive essay could argue that having a zero-tolerance policy for bullying would help create a safer and more inclusive school environment for all students.

8. Should students be allowed to have a say in the school curriculum?

Giving students a say in the school curriculum can help them feel more engaged in their education and allow them to pursue their interests and passions. A persuasive essay could argue that involving students in the curriculum design process would lead to a more personalized and meaningful learning experience.

9. Should students be required to learn about financial literacy in school?

Financial literacy is an important life skill that can help students make informed decisions about money and finances. A persuasive essay could argue that including financial literacy education in the school curriculum would help students develop crucial financial skills and prevent future financial problems.

10. Should students be allowed to have a say in school rules and decision-making?

Giving students a voice in school policies and decision-making can help them feel empowered and engaged in their school community. A persuasive essay could argue that allowing students to participate in school decision-making would lead to a more inclusive and democratic school environment.

Resources for teaching persuasive writing in the classroom

Looking for resources to help assist you in teaching writing in the classroom? Miss Jacobs Little Learners has got you covered. Browse the range of editable resources perfect for teaching writing units in the classroom.

Well there you have it. 10 simple and engaging persuasive writing topics that are sure to engage and challenge your young students while also encouraging them to think critically about the world around them. 

Meet Miss Jacobs!

Hi, i’m chantelle.

Teacher and Founder of Miss Jacobs Little Learners. If you’re dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of your students – I’m here to help you.

Facebook Group

Miss Jacobs’ Little Teacher Community is a dedicated space for teachers just like you!

Become a BFF

Subscribe to my newsletter.

Sign up as a Miss Jacobs BFF member today and get access to free resources!

Recent Posts

Tips and tricks for getting the most value out of your classroom decor investments

As a teacher, you know that decorating a classroom is about more than just aesthetic appeal. It’s about creating an environment that stimulates your little learners’ imaginations, encourages engagement with...

The purpose of calm classrooms and how they contribute to student success

I’m a big advocate for calm classrooms. Students are bombarded with stimuli from various sources every day, so it’s important that in the classroom, they’re able to listen and learn...

Affordable classroom decor solutions that suit every budget

Affordable classroom decor solutions that suit every budget I know sticking to a classroom budget can be tricky. And I also know that everyone’s budget differs, the same way that...

How quality classroom decor can save you money in the long run

When it comes to teaching resources, every dollar counts. Let’s be real; we don’t have someone footing the bill for our classroom decorations so we need to do the best...

Decor Bundles

Boho rainbow classroom decor bundle, spotty pastels classroom decor bundle | muted rainbow theme | editable, daisy gingham classroom decor bundle, boho plants classroom decor bundle | rustic neutral decor | editable, let customers speak for us.

Amazing deal, easy to download and access! Love how it has editable options too! Love it!!

I absolutely love this design! It makes my room look so cute and my students love the rainbows (even the boys)! I like being able to have consistency around my room! ❤️

Wonderful value for a huge amount of resources! Everything is straightforward and easy to use so far. This is everything I need to get my classroom going and I’m so excited to dig in further!

The visuals and options for the format PDF or PowerPoint) were great. The boxes and the title are not editable. It would be helpful if the box sizes could be adjusted and/or if the title of "Our Newsletter" was editable so we could add the teacher's name.

I loved that I had all my options & everything was organized when downloading.

• Skip to main content

Get 15% Off Your First Purchase with Coupon Code SJT15off!

Susan Jones Teaching

Teaching Resources

How to Teach Persuasive Writing in K-2

Susan Jones January 10, 2021 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate ads at no cost to you. See my disclosures for more information.

If you are wondering how to teach persuasive writing in kindergarten, first grade, or second grade, then this blog post is for you! I have three easy tips I am going to share with you that will help you and your students.

Before I dive in, I want to clarify two little things. First, when I teach students how to write persuasive pieces, I have already taught them how to write an opinion and provide some reasons. I like to teach students what an opinion is, how to share it, and provide reasons for it using a unit like this one: opinion writing unit , before asking them to persuade someone! Second, when teaching persuasive writing to my youngest students, I like to do this through letters. I find that when we can identify a real audience and write them a letter, students can think of better ways to persuade them. Okay, let’s dive into the three tips.

If you want to watch/listen to this content, feel free to press play on my YouTube video below where I share all the same information! While you are there, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to see all my teaching videos:

To read the three tips, just keep scrolling!

Tip 1: Use Mentor Texts

These books are specifically for persuasive writing and one of my absolute favorites is Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings. In this book, a little dog named Arfy writes letters to different people to try and get them to adopt him. I particularly like this book because based on his audience, he uses different reasons to persuade. This is something we talk about in one of the later tips as well!

Another text I love to use to showcase persuasive letters is I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff. This is a popular one! In this book, a little boy named Alex writes letters to his mom trying to persuade her to let him have a pet iguana. The entire book is written back and forth with letters between Alex and his mother and each letter provides reasons why he should or shouldn’t be allowed to own a pet iguana. This one is also fun because in the end, (spoiler alert) Alex ends up getting the iguana he wanted! This shows students the power of persuasion and lets the dream of something they really want and come up with ways to get it.

The last mentor text I want to share is a different one. This is one I use at the end of our unit. It is called, Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf and it is written by an 11-year old girl named Oliva Bouler. When I teach persuasive writing in a K-2 classroom, our letters tend to be pretty self-serving. This isn’t a bad thing at all! In fact, that’s why writing the letters can be so much fun – to try and get what we want. This text, however, lets students see how powerful our words can be and how we can try to persuade people to make the world a better place.

In  Olivia’s Birds , the author shares all sorts of interesting facts about different birds with her illustrations and how some human acts are destroying the birds’ habitats. In the end, she writes a persuasive letter to the Audubon Society and ends up single-handedly raising over $150,000 to help her cause! I love this book because it is inspiring and gets students thinking of ways they can change the world with their voices!

Please note: all books shown above are Amazon affiliate links

After we read Olivia’s Birds, we can use her ideas as an extension to write our own class book. Here are some of the ideas we use to brainstorm our own class persuasive letter:

Tip 2: Have your students Identify Persuasion in a Mentor Text

When using mentor texts, not only do I like to have students see persuasive writing in action, but I like to have them identify the persuasion in the texts. We do this using a think-aloud sheet like shown below.

As we read one of the mentor texts, we identify what the character wants, who the audience is, and then some of the reasons the character uses to persuade their audience. When doing this, I model this think-aloud with the class first and I use some student input as we gather reasons to persuade. I like having students walk through this process before we actually write our letters because it gets them used to brainstorming what they want, their audience, and some reasons to persuade. I also like this sheet because we can use it over and over again with different mentor texts!

You can grab this think-aloud sheet FREE here >> Persuasive Writing Activity and try it out in your own classroom!

Tip 3: Connect Reasons to their Audience

Unlike when we write opinions and share our reasons for them, persuasive writing has us making our reasons more personal. If we are trying to persuade someone, we need to think more in-depth about our audience! When doing this, I love to use a think-aloud and the mentor text, Can I Be Your Dog? which was shown above. Using a chart like shown below, we think about the different reasons Arfy uses to persuade his different audiences.

As we re-read the mentor text, we talk about how Arfy uses different reasons to persuade the people in the yellow house than the reasons he uses to persuade the fire station. This gets students not just thinking about what THEY want, but also how THEIR AUDIENCE could be persuaded!

I re-emphasize this as I model planning out my own persuasive letter to my principal! I like to use a fun example. I explain that when I speak to my son, I might use “baby voice” but I wouldn’t use that same baby voice with my boss! We need to speak differently and think of reasons that connect with each of our own audiences in order to effectively persuade them.

Those are the 3 tips I have to help you teach your students write persuasive letters! If you have other mentor texts or ideas that you love using with your kindergarten, first grade, or second-grade students, please drop them in the comments!

If you want to see more videos with ideas for teaching writing in a K-2 classroom, just click my writing workshop playlist below:

Pin to remember:

You may also enjoy these posts...

Reader Interactions

July 18, 2021 at 2:54 pm

Very useful lessons of writing Thank you

October 1, 2021 at 9:06 pm

I just finished watching your first writing video and found it very educational. I have recently started to homeschool my fourth-grade son. I am noticing he finds it very difficult to think of information to write when he is writing from a prompt or a book. I am thinking about starting at a lower level of writing perhaps maybe first grade or kindergarten in order to build his writing confidence. I am open to any suggestions, please.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Free CVC Word Mapping Mats

Sign up for my free email newsletter and receive these free CVC Word Mapping Mats to help with your next lesson plan!

Check out these popular writing resources!

We have loads of great writing resources over in the shop. Here are just a few I pulled together for you!

Beginning of the Year Writing

First Grade Writer’s Workshop units

Paragraph Writing Activities & Lessons: PRINTABLE & DIGITAL (Seesaw & Google)

Opinion Writing Unit

Hello friends.

Welcome to Susan Jones Teaching. When it comes to the primary grades, learning *All Things* in the K-2 world has been my passion for many years! I just finished my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and love sharing all the latest and greatest strategies I learn with you through this blog and my YouTube channel! I hope you'll enjoy learning along with me :)

More About Me

Squarehead Teachers

Free teacher stuff to get your elementary classroom all squared away.

62 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Kids

Welcome to Squarehead Teachers, where I post my original teaching materials for FREE! Thanks for stopping by. Catch me on Pinterest , Facebook or Twitter !

• Imagine you had a hundred dollars, but you couldn’t keep it. You had to give it away to a person or charity. Who would you give it to? Why?
• Imagine you woke up and saw a dinosaur in your backyard. Should you keep it or give it to a zoo? Why?
• Which is better: to be an only child or to have siblings? Why?
• Most parents don’t let their kids paint anything they want on their bedroom walls. Write a convincing argument to your parents explaining why you should be able to paint your bedroom however you want.
• Do you think a monkey would make a good pet? Explain why or why not.
• Imagine you worked at a football stadium. (examples: quarterback, cheerleader, coach, referee, ticket seller) Describe what you think is the best job and why.
• Describe your favorite season (fall, spring, summer, or winter). Convince the reader that your favorite season is the best.
• Imagine a company is choosing one kids to visit the moon. Explain why you should be chosen for the trip.
• What is the best superpower to have? Why?
• Imagine a scientist has developed a special potion to make people invisible, but he’s not sure he wants to let people use it. Write an argument convincing the scientist why he should or should not let people use the potion.
• Imagine you want to run for school or class president. Why should your  classmates they should vote for you?
• What is your favorite room in your home and why?
• What is the best thing parents can do to their children?
• What three things are most important in your life?
• Which quality best describes your life–exciting, organized, dull–and why?
• Which quality do you dislike most about yourself–laziness, selfishness, childishness–and why?
• Which place would you most like to visit–Africa, China, Alaska–why?
• Which holiday has the most meaning for you-Canada Day, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day–and why?
• Which is least important to you–money, power, fame–and why?
• Which is most important to you–being popular, accomplishing things, being organized–and why?
• Which is your favorite Star Wars character (or other movie/book/t.v. show, etc.)? Why?
• Is it important to be honest? Why or why not?
• Is it important to have good manners? Why or why not?
• Is exercise important?  Why or why not?
• Why is it wise to save your money?
• Think of the best teacher you ever had. Why were they a good teacher?
• Do you think there is too much fighting on t.v. Why or why not?
• Do you think it is necessary to spend money to have a good time? Why or why not?
• Does it bother you to be around someone who has bad manners?
• Should there be a dress code in places such as school, restaurants, and places of business? Why or why not?
• Families are important because…
• Would you like to be famous? Why (What would you like to be famous for?) or why not?
• What 3 things have a strong influence on your life?
• Where would you prefer to be right now–mountains, desert, beach–and why?
• Should you have to do chores around the house? Why or why not?
• Should you be required to wear a bike helmet? Why or why not?
• Should skateboards be allowed on sidewalks?
• Where do you think we should go on our class fieldtrip this year? Why?
• Should you have to take tests in school?
• Should cell phones be allowed in school?
• Can television (or videogames) influence your behavior? How?
• Should schools be year-round? Why or why not?
• Should junk food be banned from schools? Why or why not?
• Should students be required to learn a second language? Why or why not?
• What is the best time of day?
• If you could have been someone in history, who would you have been?
• If you could only take 3 people with you on a trip around the world, who would you take and why?
• If you could give any gift in the world, what would you give and to whom?
• If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
• If you received any sum of money as a gift, what would you do with it?
• If you could do whatever you wanted to right now, what would you do?
• If you were principal of this school, what would you do?
• If you were a mouse in your house in the evening, what would you see your family doing?
• If you were five years older you would…
• If you were lost in the woods and it got dark, what would you do?
• If it were your job to decide what shows can be on t.v., how would you choose?
• If there were no rules, what do you think would happen?
• If you owned a store, what would you do to discourage people from stealing from you?
• If you could participate in an Olympic event, which one would you choose and why?
• If you could break the Guiness Book of Records it would be for?
• If you had to describe yourself as a color, which would you choose?
• If your friend told you of a secret plan to run away from home, what would you do and why?

Like what you see? Please share this blog with other teachers you know! Then click below to explore more free stuff on Squarehead Teachers! Thanks!

Share this:

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

45 thoughts on “ 62 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Kids ”

Great ideas! A perfect way to encourage kids to use their imaginations! Thanks for posting these.

You’re so welcome! Thanks for stopping by!

This has a lot of in of information

Please leave a comment (No sign-in required). Thanks! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Persuasion Map

About this Interactive

Related resources.

The Persuasion Map is an interactive graphic organizer that enables students to map out their arguments for a persuasive essay or debate. Students begin by determining their goal or thesis. They then identify three reasons to support their argument, and three facts or examples to validate each reason. The map graphic in the upper right-hand corner allows students to move around the map, instead of having to work in a linear fashion. The finished map can be saved, e-mailed, or printed.

• Student Interactives
• Strategy Guides
• Calendar Activities
• Lesson Plans

The Essay Map is an interactive graphic organizer that enables students to organize and outline their ideas for an informational, definitional, or descriptive essay.

This Strategy Guide describes the processes involved in composing and producing audio files that are published online as podcasts.

This strategy guide explains the writing process and offers practical methods for applying it in your classroom to help students become proficient writers.

Through a classroom game and resource handouts, students learn about the techniques used in persuasive oral arguments and apply them to independent persuasive writing activities.

Students analyze rhetorical strategies in online editorials, building knowledge of strategies and awareness of local and national issues. This lesson teaches students connections between subject, writer, and audience and how rhetorical strategies are used in everyday writing.

Students examine books, selected from the American Library Association Challenged/Banned Books list, and write persuasive pieces expressing their views about what should be done with the books at their school.

Students will research a local issue, and then write letters to two different audiences, asking readers to take a related action or adopt a specific position on the issue.

• Print this resource

Explore Resources by Grade

• Kindergarten K

• Math for Kids
• Parenting Resources
• ELA for Kids
• Teaching Resources

How to Teach Number Recognition to Kids in 8 Easy Steps

How to Teach One to One Correspondence To Kids: 4 Easy Steps

How to Teach Odd and Even Numbers in 4 Easy Steps

How to Teach Long Division to Kids in 6 Easy Steps

15 Famous Mathematicians in History That Kids Should Know

6-year-old Developmental Milestones Checklist

How to Prepare a Schedule for Kindergarten With Examples

How to Prepare a Schedule for Preschoolers With Sample

12 Best Funny Short Stories for Kids to Read in 2024

6 Best Alternatives to Public Schooling: A Guide for Parents

60 Famous Quotes About Reading, Books & Writing for All Ages

What is Reading Assessment? Types & Tools  [Full Guide]

What are the Stages of Writing Development [Full Guide]

11 Best English Grammar Apps for Kids [Android & iOS]

10 Different Type of Reading Materials for Kids

12 Best Reading Bulletin Board Ideas for Your Classroom

15 Fun Summer Bulletin Board Ideas for 2024

13 Best Assessment Tools for Teachers in 2024

12 Best STEM Programs for Kids in 2024

12 Best Tips for Substitute Teachers

50 Best Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids: Inspire & Persuade

10 Math and Logic Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids

10 english language arts persuasive essay topics for kids, 10 science and technology persuasive essay topics for kids, 10 animals and nature persuasive essay topics for kids, 10 school and education persuasive essay topics for kids.

Persuasive writing is a way to share what you think about something in a way that convinces others to think the same. For young learners, learning how to write persuasively is very important. It helps them learn to talk about their beliefs and understand why others might think differently. This skill is not just about writing; it’s about thinking carefully and sharing ideas in the best way possible. This blog is  about “best persuasive essay topics for kids .”

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun ., you see real learning outcomes ..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

We will share fun persuasive essay topics for kids to write about. These topics will help kids practice convincing others with their words, improving communication, and thinking about different ideas. This blog will cover topics about family, school, animals, food, and even subjects like math and reading .

In this section, we dive into persuasive writing topics that show why numbers and shapes are not just school subjects but exciting parts of our everyday lives. These topics prompt kids to think about how math helps us solve problems, understand the world, and have fun.

1. Why Learning Math is Fun.

Encourage kids to explore how math is a game of numbers and logic, showing them that solving math problems can be as exciting as unraveling mysteries.

2. The Importance of Learning to Count Money.

Motivate children to understand the value of money by teaching them how counting coins and bills is key to buying their favorite toys and saving for the future.

3. Shapes are Everywhere: Why We Need to Learn About Them.

Inspire kids to discover shapes in their environment, highlighting how recognizing different shapes is crucial for creativity and practical problem-solving.

4. The Best Math Game for Kids.

Urge kids to engage with math games , demonstrating how these games can turn complex arithmetic into fun and interactive challenges.

5. Why We Should Learn About Time.

Encourage children to learn reading clocks, emphasizing how understanding time management can make daily activities more fun and organized.

6. Finding Patterns in Math.

Prompt kids to look for patterns , showing them that recognizing patterns can help solve problems faster and more efficiently.

7. The Magic of Multiplication.

Motivate kids to master multiplication , explaining how it speeds up counting and opens up a world of mathematical possibilities.

8. Why Fractions are Important.

Inspire children to dive into fractions , illustrating how fractions are part of everyday life, from dividing a pizza to measuring ingredients for a recipe.

9. Solving Puzzles with Algebra.

Urge kids to see algebra as a tool for solving puzzles , showing them that understanding variables and equations can be like cracking secret codes.

10. The Adventure of Geometry.

Encourage kids to embark on the adventure of geometry , pointing out how shapes and angles are integral to building everything from paper airplanes to skyscrapers.

In this section, we explore persuasive writing prompts on ELA . Kids get to see how words can paint pictures, tell stories, and convince others about what we think and feel.

1. The Joy of Reading Every Day.

Encourage kids to discuss the adventures books can take on, showing that reading every day can unlock new worlds.

2. Why Writing Stories is Important.

Motivate children to express their imagination through writing, highlighting how creating stories helps share their unique view of the world.

3. The Best Book for Kids.

Invite kids to argue about what makes a book the best read for children, encouraging them to explore different genres and authors.

4. Handwriting vs. Typing: Which is Better?

Urge kids to debate the benefits of handwriting over typing, focusing on how each method contributes to learning and memory.

5. The Power of Poetry in Expressing Feelings.

Inspire children to use poetry to express their emotions, showing how rhythm and rhyme can make feelings more powerful.

6. Learning New Words: Why It Matters.

Encourage kids to explore the importance of vocabulary, explaining how new words can help them express ideas more clearly.

7. Listening to Stories vs. Reading Them.

Motivate children to compare listening to audiobooks with reading text, discussing the different experiences each provides.

8. The Importance of Spelling Correctly.

Prompt kids to understand how spelling contributes to effective communication and why it’s important to learn it well.

9. Why Everyone Should Keep a Diary.

Inspire kids to see the value in keeping a diary, highlighting how it helps with self-expression and keeps memories alive.

10. Creating Your Comic Book.

Urge children to combine art and story by creating comic books, showing how this storytelling can bring ideas to life.

In this section, we dive into persuasive writing ideas that help kids explore how discoveries and innovations shape our world. This part of the blog encourages young learners to think about the role of science and tech in daily life, from our gadgets to how we understand the universe. 

1. The Importance of Recycling Electronics.

Encourage kids to argue why recycling old gadgets is crucial for protecting our planet, showing the impact of technology on the environment.

2. Why Space Exploration is Valuable.

Motivate children to explore the benefits of studying outer space, from inspiring new technologies to understanding our place in the universe.

3. The Role of Robots in Our Future.

Invite kids to debate whether robots will make life better or if they pose challenges, encouraging a look at both sides of technological advancement.

4. Renewable Energy: The Way Forward.

Urge kids to discuss the importance of using renewable energy sources, highlighting how they can help combat climate change.

5. The Impact of Video Games on Kids.

Inspire children to argue about the effects of video games , considering both educational benefits and the need for moderation.

6. Should Animals be Used in Research?

Encourage kids to consider the ethical implications of using animals in scientific experiments, promoting empathy and understanding.

7. The Benefits of Learning to Code.

Motivate kids to see coding as an essential skill for the future, showing how it can help solve problems and create new opportunities.

8. How Technology Can Help in Education.

Invite children to discuss how tablets, computers, and interactive software can enhance learning experiences in and out of the classroom.

9. The Importance of Internet Safety.

Urge kids to explore the significance of being safe online, teaching them about privacy and responsible internet use.

10. Inventions That Changed the World.

Inspire kids to research and write about inventions significantly impacting human life, encouraging appreciation for innovation.

In this section, we explore easy persuasive essay topics about animals and nature. These topics will encourage kids to think and write about the natural world, the creatures that inhabit it, and how humans interact with it. 

1. Why We Should Protect Endangered Animals.

Encourage kids to argue the importance of saving animals at risk of extinction, highlighting how each creature plays a role in our world.

2. The Benefits of Having a School Garden.

Motivate children to explore the advantages of growing plants at school, from learning about biology to having fresh snacks.

3. Should People Keep Wild Animals as Pets?

Invite kids to discuss why wild animals should live in natural habitats instead of in people’s homes.

4. The Importance of Bees in Our Ecosystem.

Urge kids to write about why bees are vital for pollination and what would happen if we didn’t have them around.

5. Why We Need More Trees in Our Cities.

Inspire children to advocate for planting more trees in urban areas, explaining how trees improve air quality and provide shade.

6. Recycling: A Responsibility for Everyone.

Encourage kids to persuade others that recycling is essential for keeping our planet clean and reducing waste.

7. The Impact of Plastic on Ocean Life.

Motivate kids to explore the effects of plastic pollution on marine creatures and how reducing plastic use can make a difference.

8. Why Everyone Should Spend Time Outdoors.

Invite children to argue the benefits of outdoor play and exploration for health and happiness.

9. The Role of Zoos in Conservation.

Urge kids to consider how modern zoos protect endangered species and educate the public.

10. How to Make Your Home More Wildlife-Friendly.

Inspire kids to develop ideas for making gardens and outdoor spaces welcoming for birds, insects, and small mammals.

In this section, we dive into easy topics about school and education. These persuasive essay topics are designed to get kids thinking and writing about their learning experiences, the school environment, and how education shapes their world. 

1. Why Reading Should Be a Part of Every Day in School.

Encourage kids to argue for daily reading time, highlighting how it can open up new worlds and improve language skills.

2. The Benefits of Group Projects.

Motivate children to explore the advantages of working in groups, such as learning teamwork and sharing ideas.

3. Longer Recess for Better Learning.

Invite kids to persuade others that longer recess can lead to better concentration in class and more fun.

4. Should Homework Be Optional?

Urge kids to debate the necessity of homework, considering both its benefits for learning and the importance of free time.

5. The Importance of Art and Music in School.

Inspire children to argue for more art and music classes, explaining how creativity complements traditional subjects.

6. Why Field Trips Are Essential.

Encourage kids to write about the value of field trips in education, showing how real-world experiences enrich classroom learning.

7. School Uniforms: Good or Bad?

Motivate kids to take a stand on school uniforms, discussing how uniforms affect school spirit and individuality.

8. The Role of Technology in the Classroom.

Invite children to consider how tablets and computers can enhance or distract from learning.

9. Why Every School Should Have a Library.

Urge kids to argue the importance of having a well-stocked library at school, from encouraging reading to supporting research.

10. The Need for More Physical Education.

Inspire kids to advocate for more PE classes, emphasizing the importance of physical health alongside mental learning.

7 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay for Kids

Writing a persuasive essay can be fun to share your ideas and convince others to see things your way. Here are some simple tips to help you write a great persuasive essay:

• Pick something you feel strongly about. It’s easier to persuade others if you really believe in what you’re saying.
• Think about who will read your essay. What do they care about? Knowing this can help you make your argument more convincing.
• Begin your essay with a sentence that makes people want to read more. You could ask a question, share a fun fact, or say something surprising.
• Explain why you think your idea is right. Share facts, stories, or examples that support your opinion.
• It’s fair to talk about what people who disagree with you might say. Then, gently explain why you still think you’re right.
• Use simple words and short sentences. This makes it easier for everyone to understand your ideas.
• Finish your essay by reminding people why your idea is important. Leave them with something to think about.

We’ve explored a lot of fun and important topics for young writers to think about and write about. From the wonders of math and the adventures in books to caring for our planet and making school better, these persuasive essay topics are a great way for kids to share their ideas and learn how to convince others. Remember, your voice is powerful, so start writing and show the world what you think!

• Pre-Kindergarten
• Kindergarten

Most Popular

76 Best Report Card Comments Samples for Teachers

117 Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers)

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Recent posts.

15 Fun and Educational Body Part Activities for Kids

60 Halloween Riddles for Kids [With Answers]

Math & ela | prek to grade 5, kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

• Games for Kids
• Worksheets for Kids
• Math Worksheets
• ELA Worksheets
• Math Vocabulary
• Number Games
• Addition Games
• Subtraction Games
• Multiplication Games
• Division Games
• Addition Worksheets
• Subtraction Worksheets
• Multiplication Worksheets
• Division Worksheets
• Times Tables Worksheets
• Reading Games
• Writing Games
• Phonics Games
• Sight Words Games
• Letter Tracing Games
• Reading Worksheets
• Writing Worksheets
• Phonics Worksheets
• Sight Words Worksheets
• Letter Tracing Worksheets
• Prime Number
• Order of Operations
• Long multiplication
• Place value
• Parallelogram
• SplashLearn Success Stories
• SplashLearn Apps

© Copyright - SplashLearn

Back-to-School Learning Boost!

Turn play into progress., jumpstart learning now.

Explore 4,000+ games and 450+ lesson plans designed to make this school year the best one yet!

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Win a $500 Oriental Trading Gift Card ✨

33 Mentor Texts for Opinion Writing

Show kids how powerful sharing ideas in writing can be.

In today’s world, we want our teaching to inspire students to be forward thinkers and changemakers. Teaching them how to share their opinions in writing is a key ingredient. Let’s get kids making signs and writing letters, lists, reviews, essays, blog posts, and speeches! Check out some of our favorite opinion-writing mentor texts to bring this important genre to life for kids. We’ve got plenty of picture books for the younger set, and titles to help older kids make the leap to persuasive writing backed by researched facts.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

1. We Disagree by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

A mouse and a squirrel think differently about, well, everything. Can they ever be friends? This is such a cute title for introducing kids to what it means to share an opinion, and it could lead to plenty of writing prompts to open an opinion-writing unit.

Buy it: We Disagree on Amazon

2. I Love Insects by Lizzy Rockwell

This early reader should definitely be in your primary classroom collection of opinion-writing mentor texts to help introduce the genre. Do you love insects? Two kids give competing reasons for why and why not. Read it aloud and head straight into shared writing of a list of pros and cons.

Buy it: I Love Insects on Amazon

3. Usha and the Big Digger by Amitha Jagannath Knight

To introduce kids to opinion writing, you need opinion-writing mentor texts to teach them what “opinions” are—and Usha, Aarti, and Gloria have them in this book! They each see something different when they look at the stars. This book could lead to a great introduction activity in which students try to convince each other that they see the Big Dipper, a “Big Digger,” a “Big Kite …” or something else. (Hint: It’s all in your perspective!)

Buy it: Usha and the Big Digger on Amazon

 4. Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty

When a park ranger puts up a “Don’t Feed the Bear” reminder, he has no idea about the persuasive sign-writing battle he’ll set in motion. (Strategic language includes “Please feed the ranger rotten eggs and slimy spinach.”) Share this hilarious title to introduce students to using signs to influence others’ thinking.

Buy it: Don’t Feed the Bear on Amazon

5. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

Let a favorite character guide young students in the art of persuasion. The bus driver does not want Pigeon in the driver’s seat, but the well-known bird builds an emotional and unrelenting case.

Buy it: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! on Amazon

6. Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali

We adore sharing this book with young students to open inclusive conversations about favorite holidays and traditions. Each student in Musa’s class shares about their favorite day of the year, from Eid Al-Fitr to Pi Day. Use this book to prompt kids to write their own opinion pieces about their favorite days, and to model how reasoning, information, and anecdotes can support one’s opinion.

Buy it: Our Favorite Day of the Year on Amazon

7. Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

This true story from Kamala Harris’ childhood details how she and her sister wrote letters to their landlord until he agreed to let them build a playground in their apartment complex courtyard. Get kids excited about how their opinion writing could create real change!

Buy it: Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea on Amazon

8. If I Were President by Trygve Skaug

A young boy talks at length about what he’d do differently if he ran the country. Maybe cars could run on legs instead of gasoline, and “playing” should be a subject taught in school. Share this with kids who need more ideas for opinion-writing topics!

Buy it: If I Were President on Amazon

9. The Little Book of Little Activists by Penguin Young Readers

Introduce young students to the idea of activism and its connection to opinion writing. This inspiring photo essay includes examples of kids’ opinions about real-life causes and many written signs.

Buy it: The Little Book of Activists on Amazon

10. The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan

This protagonist is a toddler on a mission—a mission to kick her dad out of her parents’ bed so she can sleep with her mom. Use this little girl’s precocious modeling to show students how to polish their own opinion writing by adding visual supports.

Buy it: The Big Bed on Amazon

11. The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini

Elizabeth crafts a plan to convince her parents to let her have a pet, with unexpected—but pleasing—results. This is our favorite opinion-writing mentor text for introducing kids to win-win solutions and encouraging them to suggest them in their own opinion writing.

Buy it: The Perfect Pet on Amazon

12. & 13. Can I Be Your Dog? and I Found a Kitty! by Troy Cummings

First, read a collection of persuasive letters from a lonely dog seeking an owner that’s a twist on kids’ pet requests. Each letter is tailored to a specific audience, with Arfy promising to lick things clean, protect, and deliver endless affection.

In the sequel, Arfy uses his persuasive skills to help someone else, a lovable stray kitten. Notice with students how he once again shapes his reasoning for each recipient—and how he doesn’t give up until he’s successful!

Buy it: Can I Be Your Dog? on Amazon

Buy it: I Found a Kitty! on Amazon

14. True You: A Gender Journey by Gwen Agna and Shelley Rotner

This delightful and important title stars real kids with a full range of gender identities. Each child introduces themselves in a speech bubble that shares their opinion about gender identity. Use this title to model talking to the reader using strong, direct language.

Buy it: True You: A Gender Journey on Amazon

15. Stella Writes an Opinion by Janiel Wagstaff

Sometimes you want perfectly straightforward opinion-writing mentor texts that match right up with your teaching goals. Stella thinks second graders should be able to have a morning snack time. She sets out to write about her opinion, state her reasons, and ends with a compelling summation.

Buy it: Stella Writes an Opinion on Amazon

16. I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman Orloff

After his successful angling for a pet in I Wanna Iguana , Alex tries using note-writing to broach his next request: a room of his own, away from his pesky younger brother. The parent-child communication includes plenty of examples of making and responding to counterarguments.

Buy it: I Wanna New Room on Amazon

17. Be Glad Your Dad … Is Not an Octopus! by Matthew Logelin and Sara Jensen

This author’s opinion is that you should appreciate your dad for who he is. He makes his case with plenty of arguments grounded in facts—facts that show that if your dad were an animal, he could be even more gross, embarrassing, or annoying!

Buy it: Be Glad Your Dad … Is Not an Octopus! on Amazon

18. Earrings! by Judith Viorst

A young girl desperately wants her ears pierced, but her parents respond to her begging with a firm no. Ask students to evaluate the merits of her various arguments. Which are strong? Which are just whiny?

Buy it: Earrings! on Amazon

19. Pick a Picture, Write an Opinion! by Kristen McCurry

If you’re looking for opinion-writing mentor texts that lay it all out there explicitly, you’ll appreciate this resource. Engaging, diverse photos and topics, a kid-friendly tone, and explicit advice make this a helpful primer to accompany more conventional mentor texts.

Buy it: Pick a Picture, Write an Opinion! on Amazon

20. I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) by Davide Cali

This narrator has plenty of reasons to dislike his self-centered cats, which he outlines in specific detail. Use this title as an example of a multi-pronged argument. (Plus, show that sometimes, opinion writing actually leads us to change our own minds. By the end, the owner realizes he actually loves his pets, quirks and all.)

Buy it: I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) on Amazon

21. I Can Be Anything! Don’t Tell Me I Can’t by Diane Dillon

Zoe makes big plans for her future, from being an archaeologist to a veterinarian. She quiets self-doubt with confident arguments. Aside from sharing this title’s lovely, affirming message, use it to teach kids to anticipate tough questions and head them off convincingly in their opinion writing.

Buy it: I Can Be Anything! Don’t Tell Me I Can’t on Amazon

22. Rise Up and Write It by Nandini Ahuja

Farah Patel works to convince her local government to improve a vacant lot to benefit her community. Great realistic examples of using letters and signs to inspire change!

Buy it: Rise Up and Write It on Amazon

23. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

These disgruntled but endearing crayons have opinions, and they aren’t shy about making them known in this read-aloud favorite. Check out this free downloadable educator guide from the publisher for persuasive letter-writing curriculum connections.

Buy it: The Day the Crayons Quit on Amazon

24. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating

The best opinion writing springs from genuine conviction. Eugenie Clark believed sharks were fascinating and  that women could be accomplished scientists who study them. Use this title to help students generate their own passion-fueled topics about which to write.

Buy it: Shark Lady on Amazon

25. What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers

Share this title for its inspiring message about the power of one citizen to evoke positive change through spoken words, writing, and action. Also consider it as an example of how words and art interact in opinion writing; the illustrations and text work together here to advance the book’s message.

Buy it: What Can a Citizen Do? on Amazon?

26. Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest by Sarah Hampson

Dr. Archibald Coo believes that pigeons don’t deserve their reputation as avian pests. He outlines a plan to change the minds of his city neighbors. Part of his approach is to send a persuasive letter to the mayor, suggesting creative, mutually beneficial agreements—a great example for student writers aiming to change the minds of authority figures.

Buy it: Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest on Amazon

27. The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

The animals in this classic read-aloud give a range of reasons their home shouldn’t be chopped down. Use them as examples of how to vary sentence structures and formats when listing arguments and how to use specific details to strengthen reasoning.

Buy it: The Great Kapok Tree on Amazon

28. Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson

This fictional account of the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, told from the point of view of a young participant, is a classroom must-read. It exemplifies how children’s actions can make a difference in an adult world and how powerful language strengthens a written message.

Buy it: Let the Children March on Amazon

29. No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley

This powerful title introduces inspiring and diverse young activists’ causes using original poems by notable authors. Show kids that impactful opinion writing can take many forms.

Buy it: No Voice Too Small on Amazon

30. The Week Junior magazine “Big Debate” feature

The Week Junior is one of our absolute favorite magazines for the classroom , and its “Big Debate” section is a main reason for that. Each issue examines both sides of an interesting topic, from whether we should eat Maine lobster, to if space exploration is worth the huge cost, to whether or not kids’ screen time should be restricted. Have kids study examples to get tips for their own opinion writing, and maybe even create their own “Big Debate.”

Buy it: The Week Junior

31. Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean by Patricia Newman

This is a fantastic resource for upper elementary and middle school classrooms moving from opinion writing to research-based persuasive writing. This mind-boggling look at the impact of trash on our oceans gives kids so many models for sharing one’s opinions, experiences, and knowledge to spark change. Embedded QR codes take readers straight to awesome examples of persuasive speeches and other cool resources that support the author’s message.

Buy it: Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean on Amazon

32. We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell

A classroom prepares to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with research projects that convey a clear message: Native Nations are still here! Besides being critical content for kids, this is a great example of how to use researched facts to support one’s opinion.

Buy it: We Are Still Here! on Amazon

33. Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You! by Marley Dias

Every middle school student should meet Marley Dias through this powerful account of her #1000blackgirlbooks campaign. It boasts plenty of practical advice for young activists. Pull text excerpts for mini-lessons about tailoring opinion writing to your audience. Marley writes straight to her peers.

Buy it: Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You! on Amazon

Excited to share these opinion-writing mentor texts? Also check out our favorite mentor texts for procedural and narrative writing.

Want more book lists and classroom ideas be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters, you might also like.

40 Best Mentor Texts for Narrative Writing in Elementary School

These will be your new go-to titles. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Addition (Basic)

Addition (Multi-Digit)

Algebra & Pre-Algebra

Comparing Numbers

Daily Math Review

Division (Basic)

Division (Long Division)

Hundreds Charts

Measurement

Multiplication (Basic)

Multiplication (Multi-Digit)

Order of Operations

Place Value

Probability

Skip Counting

Subtraction

Telling Time

Word Problems (Daily)

More Math Worksheets

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension Gr. 1

Reading Comprehension Gr. 2

Reading Comprehension Gr. 3

Reading Comprehension Gr. 4

Reading Comprehension Gr. 5

Reading Comprehension Gr. 6

Reading & Writing

Reading Worksheets

Cause & Effect

Fact & Opinion

Fix the Sentences

Graphic Organizers

Synonyms & Antonyms

Writing Prompts

Writing Story Pictures

Writing Worksheets

More ELA Worksheets

Consonant Sounds

Vowel Sounds

Consonant Blends

Consonant Digraphs

Word Families

More Phonics Worksheets

Early Literacy

Build Sentences

Sight Word Units

Sight Words (Individual)

More Early Literacy

Punctuation

Subjects and Predicates

More Grammar Worksheets

Spelling Lists

Spelling Grade 1

Spelling Grade 2

Spelling Grade 3

Spelling Grade 4

Spelling Grade 5

Spelling Grade 6

More Spelling Worksheets

Chapter Books

Charlotte's Web

Magic Tree House #1

Boxcar Children

More Literacy Units

Animal (Vertebrate) Groups

Butterfly Life Cycle

Electricity

Matter (Solid, Liquid, Gas)

Simple Machines

Space - Solar System

More Science Worksheets

Social Studies

Maps (Geography)

Maps (Map Skills)

More Social Studies

Back to School

Columbus Day

More Holiday Worksheets

Puzzles & Brain Teasers

Brain Teasers

Logic:  Addition Squares

Mystery Graph Pictures

Number Detective

Lost in the USA

More Thinking Puzzles

Teacher Helpers

Teaching Tools

Award Certificates

More Teacher Helpers

Pre-K and Kindergarten

Alphabet (ABCs)

Numbers and Counting

Shapes (Basic)

More Kindergarten

Worksheet Generator

Word Search Generator

Multiple Choice Generator

Fill-in-the-Blanks Generator

More Generator Tools

Full Website Index

Persuasive Writing

Use these worksheets to supplement your persuasive writing unit. Includes a variety of worksheets and writing prompts for students.

Persuasive Writing Topics

Logged in members can use the Super Teacher Worksheets filing cabinet to save their favorite worksheets.

Quickly access your most used files AND your custom generated worksheets!

Please login to your account or become a member and join our community today to utilize this helpful feature.

Opinion Piece Response

Graphic organizer.

Write creative stories and thoughts based on these fun writing prompts.

Color the pictures and write creative stories to explain what's happening in each scene.

Learn to write thank you notes and friendly letters. Also includes worksheets of figures of speech, editing, and writing projects.

Print editing wheels, proofreading bookmarks, and short passages for students to proofread.

Sample Worksheet Images

PDF with answer key:

PDF no answer key:

Reading & Math for K-5

• Kindergarten
• Learning numbers
• Comparing numbers
• Place Value
• Roman numerals
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Order of operations
• Drills & practice
• Measurement
• Factoring & prime factors
• Proportions
• Shape & geometry
• Data & graphing
• Word problems
• Children's stories
• Leveled Stories
• Sentences & passages
• Context clues
• Cause & effect
• Compare & contrast
• Fact vs. fiction
• Fact vs. opinion
• Main idea & details
• Story elements
• Conclusions & inferences
• Sounds & phonics
• Words & vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Early writing
• Numbers & counting
• Simple math
• Social skills
• Other activities
• Dolch sight words
• Fry sight words
• Multiple meaning words
• Prefixes & suffixes
• Vocabulary cards
• Other parts of speech
• Punctuation
• Capitalization
• Narrative writing
• Opinion writing
• Informative writing
• Cursive alphabet
• Cursive letters
• Cursive letter joins
• Cursive words
• Cursive sentences
• Cursive passages
• Grammar & Writing

Breadcrumbs

• Persuasive prompts

Download & Print Only $6.89

Persuasive writing prompts for grade 5

Writing with a purpose.

These writing prompts ask students to write a persuasive essay for a particular audience . 

A pet snake

Comic book studies

Learning levels

An end to snacktime?

The 4 day school week

Cash for grades  

Members only:

A school garden

Solo singing

Banning phones

What is K5?

K5 Learning offers free worksheets , flashcards  and inexpensive  workbooks  for kids in kindergarten to grade 5. Become a member  to access additional content and skip ads.

Our members helped us give away millions of worksheets last year.

We provide free educational materials to parents and teachers in over 100 countries. If you can, please consider purchasing a membership ($24/year) to support our efforts.

Members skip ads and access exclusive features.

Learn about member benefits

This content is available to members only.

Join K5 to save time, skip ads and access more content. Learn More

• Forgot Password?

• For Teachers
• Schools & Districts

• Enter code ••• Enter Code

Free Online Persuasive Essay Structure Flashcards

Master the art of persuasion with our curated Persuasive Essay Structure flashcards! Boost your writing skills and ace your assignments effortlessly.

Explore Flashcards by Subject

• Text Analysis
• Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions
• Literature - Books, Stories
• Compare and Contrast
• Reading Strategies
• Informational Stories and Texts

Explore Flashcards by Grades

• Kindergarten

Explore Free Printable Persuasive Essay Structure Flashcard

Discover the power of our Persuasive Essay Structure flashcards, a new addition to our learning resources. These flashcards are purposefully designed to help students grasp the essential elements of crafting compelling arguments in essay form. They cover everything from thesis statements to supporting details and counterarguments. Not only will these flashcards boost students' understanding of persuasive essay structure, but they will also enhance their writing skills, ensuring their arguments are well-structured, logical, and persuasive. Quizizz is a highly favored educational tool among teachers for its versatility and ease of use. It offers an extensive library of resources, including various game modes that make learning engaging and fun. Teachers can easily monitor individual student progress and create tailored quizzes to suit their students' unique needs. The AI features and diverse question types further enrich the learning experience. Quizizz is not only more educational than other tools, but it also makes test preparation and unit reviews more interactive and enjoyable.