Earrings!

This book inspired is a favorite writing activity that I've used with younger grades, as well as with older ones. I have even used this writing activity in workshops with adults to demonstrate how literature can fuel writing. First I read Earrings aloud to the class. In the story a girl passionately begs her parents to allow her to pierce her ears. She makes all sorts of extravagant promises to them, "Like, walk our dog every day for one whole year. Like, clean my room every day for one whole year. Like, read a book once a week for one whole year. Like, be nice to my little brother for one whole year. Well maybe six months. And I wouldn't ask for new clothes, because I could wear the same old clothes - and just change my earrings." Then the students and I have a discussion about something they want and are trying to convincve their parents to give them. The writing assignment is to write a letter/persuasive essay to someone - usually parents - about something you really really want. I've gotten some great pieces of writing in return.

This is a wonderfully funny book to share with young girls. It's a perfect book to teach persuasion-if you're a teacher.

As a teacher, I am always on the lookout for a great book that demonstrates the type of writing I am teaching. In this case, EARRINGS is a wonderful example of persuasion. The little girl is trying to convince her parents that she is ready for pierced ears, but her parents (like myself) are stubborn. She uses every form of persuasion, from begging to making deals, to get her parents to relent. I use this book when introducing persuasive writing, to my fifth graders.

My sister really enjoyed this book and we checked is out of the library so much we had to but it for Christmas. A cute tale for all little girls to read.