Teacher Instructions & Lesson Resources:
Step one (sharing the published model): Mark Teague’s hysterical picture book, Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School, charmingly uses point-of-view and persuasive writing techniques in the safe format of a friendly letter. The book is about Ike the dog, who is attending obedience school, and who is writing letters to his owner. Describing each day with specific details and dramatic words, he tries to persuade his owner, Mrs. LaRue, that he is a good dog who doesn’t belong in an obedience school. The charming part of the book is that often the pictures of Ike's life at obedience school directly contrast the message he is sending in the letters.
While reading this book, teachers should stress what author, Mark Teague, has done well. Notice the dog, Ike, uses powerful details when describing each day from his point of view. He uses emotionally-charged words. He uses emphatic capitalization techniques. He slips in a quote or two to support his argument that he doesn’t belong in obedience school. He crafts each letter to persuade his audience--Mrs. LaRue--whom he wants something from.
Xerox a few of the letters from the book. Put one letter on the overhead, and discuss whole-group 1) its most persuasive word and 2) its most persuasive technique. Share your opinion. Ask students if they have a different opinion.
Hand out the rest of the letters to small groups and have your students analyze Ike's most persuasive techniques. Each group should share 1) most persuasive words and 2) most persuasive techniques. List the words and techniques on the chalk board or white board. Challenge your students to use these words and techniques in their own persuasive and friendly letters.
Say, "It would be an unusual letter that someone might receive from their dog, since dogs can't really write. What other ideas do you have for unusual letters?" Tell students they will eventually b writing their own unsual letters.
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