Laura Davies’ fifth grade classroom has spent the past year learning about how to create and give a persuasive argument. To showcase their newfound talents in persuasive debates, several volunteers in her class will be presenting their speeches to the public at the Nolan Center next Tuesday, at 7 p.m.
Writing and giving persuasive speeches has been a traditional part of Davies’ classroom for several years, she said, but she only opened it up to the public last year. From simple arguments to large, formal debates, the ability to create and defend one’s opinion is an important talent for people to learn.
“My main goal, there’s a few goals here, is to have the kids learn to present their opinion in a respectable way that people listen,” Davies said. “I’m trying to teach them that life skill of ‘how do you present yourself in a respectable way, with confidence?’ So we practice this skill of public speaking, and then they have this opportunity.”
Davies said she had about 13 or 14 of her students volunteer to give a public
presentation this year, about half of her class. Every student has to give an in-class reading of their essay, but those
who want to go the extra step will get to present in front of the wider Wrangell community and present their arguments.
The opinion pieces, themselves, show a wide variety of interests among the class. Some students have
created persuasive arguments on relatively simple topics, such as why people should go outside and exercise more, or why it is okay to like a wide variety of music. Some of Davies’ kids have chosen more mature topics, such as women’s rights or the necessity of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The purpose of creating these persuasive speeches is not only to help her class learn about how to create and
defend an argument, but it is also meant to teach them how to respect others’ opinions. One child said that his
speech will be on why schools should consider using Virtual Reality programs in their classrooms. Another student has created an argument about the importance of outdoor exercise.
“Part of it is learning to listen to someone you disagree with and be respectful,” Davies said. “How do you listen to them, and maybe say your viewpoint without hurting feelings? That’s part of this assignment.”
The public is invited to attend the presentation next Tuesday, May 21. Davies said that she is very hopeful for a large audience, as it will give her students the chance to practice their new skills with more than just their family watching. She wants them to get the feeling that their projects are important, and that learning to form and defend arguments is a necessary skill.
“Even if we only have a few community members it’s like ‘Wow, someone thinks I’m important and they came!’ I hope that makes sense,” she said. “I get all sorts of different topics so you really get to see the students’ personalities shine.”
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