A Persuasive Letter Assignment for Upper Elementary Students

Guide your students through the process of persuasive letter writing with this comprehensive inquiry-based resource project perfect for upper primary students.

To complete this persuasive letter assignment, students will choose a school improvement or change they feel strongly about. They will research the benefits, consider different perspectives and develop a well-reasoned argument. Using this research, they will write a persuasive letter addressed to their principal, explaining their idea and supporting it with strong evidence and reasoning.

Read on to learn more about how to use this persuasive letter assignment with your students!

Easily Implement This Persuasive Letter Writing Project

The persuasive letter project booklet contains everything your students will need to independently complete this inquiry-based project about a school-based issue. The contents of the booklet are as follows:

1. Project Overview – This page provides students with a detailed explanation of the project. It contains:
   • Scenario Overview
   • Task Outline
   • Guiding Questions
   • Process Walk-Through
2. Topic Brainstorming – This page provides students with suggested school issues they might like to research for their letters in the categories of School Environment, School Schedule, Clubs and Activities, School Rules and Other.
3. Planning Graphic Organizers – These pages enable students to plan each of their arguments (with supporting details) in a clear and organized manner.
4. Planning Sheet – This page will assist students in planning the content that will be included in their letter.
5. Sentence Starters and Transition Words – This page contains a list of sentence starters and transition words that students can use to help craft their writing.
6. Sample Persuasive Letter – This example letter can be used as a reference for correct letter structure and features.
7. Writing Pages – These pages can be used by students to write up the final copy of their letter.
8. Project Reflection – This page contains five questions to help students reflect on the success of the project.
9. Assessment Rubric – A sample assessment rubric has been provided should teachers wish to assess students’ work according to a given set of criteria.

This project for persuasive letters has been designed to seamlessly integrate with your ELA planning. This activity enhances writing and critical thinking skills and empowers students to express their opinions meaningfully.

Download to Start Writing a Persuasive Letter

This persuasive letter assignment downloads as an easy-print PDF or editable Google Slides file. Use the Download button to access your preferred files.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing the project booklet double-sided.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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