Integrating writing into nonfiction point of view lessons might require a little more work simply because students need to be knowledgeable about the nonfiction topic they are writing about. As long as the upper elementary students have the background information necessary in order to be successful, however, students can complete these activities with no prep.
1. Have Students Write About A Topic From Two Different Points of View
This is a great activity to get kids thinking critically about points of view other than their own. Have students write about the same topic from two different points of view. For example, you could have students write about why a cat would make a good pet, as well as why a cat would make a terrible pet.
Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade have a hard time understanding other people’s points of view if it contrasts with their own. This activity can help make them more open-minded about people with views that oppose their own.
Here are some possible topics for students to write about:
- asking permission to use the restroom vs going to the restroom whenever you need to
- homework vs no homework
- raising your hand before speaking in class vs speaking whenever you want
When students have to start writing from different points of view, it makes them think more critically and behave more empathetically towards those who are different from them, as well as gives them practice writing!
