Our Voices Matter

Grades K/1

This RPLC unit is based on empowering young students to use their voices in impactful ways. They will learn the intricacies of perspective, bias, and the power of voice in various forms of communication. Through engaging literature and activities, the students will hone their speaking and listening skills, while cultivating an understanding of persuasive elements used in written and spoken communication. While learning how to effectively share opinions for persuasive purposes, the students will also learn about the importance of respectful and empathetic communication, including speaking and listening. As part of this they will also examine bias by taking on different perspectives. As students study the way authors use writing as a persuasive tool and examine persuasive elements in literature, they will learn how to do this as authors themselves. They will learn about the building blocks to writing a persuasive piece and write their own persuasive letters. Through research on a relevant content topic, the students will take a stand on an issue that matters to them. They will write a letter or speech that advocates for this cause and have the option to create a visual or multimedia component.