ELA

7 & 8 Collaborative Essay: Persuasive Writing TOPIC: School Uniforms

Together We: 1. Read 3 articles discussing the issue of school uniforms a. 1 read by teacher, 1 read out loud as a class, 1 read independently b. Identified unfamiliar words and defined them to deepen understanding (highlighted yellow) c. Highlighted all arguments in favour of uniforms green d. Highlighted all arguments against uniforms pink 2. Used a graphic organizer to compile our research 3. Formed an opinion and developed a thesis a. Used the Persuasive Thesis Generator to organize our thesis b. Corrected the grammar to polish our thesis 4. Used an online essay map to plan our essay 5. Wrote a persuasive essay a. Both grades contributed sentences through class discussion b. The teacher added and proof read sentences to the essay as they were discussed in class c. Both grades read over and approved the final draft Next Time We Will: Learn how to cite the sources we refer to (give credit where it is due!)

THE ARTICLES:

School Uniforms: Pros & Cons by Anne Svenson

http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-philosophy/individuality/38676.html

Should Kids Wear School Uniforms? by Sherry Bowen

http://www.eduguide.org/library/viewarticle/1401/

An Argument Against School Uniforms by Joel Hinckley (Student Piece)

http://www.teenink.com/opinion/social_issues_civics/article/63606/An-Argument-Against-School- Uniforms/

THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY THESIS BUILDER:

http://www.ozline.com/electraguide/thesis.php

READWRITETHINK ESSAY MAP

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/essaymap/

Caged Up Behind Pleats and Plaid A Collaborative Essay by Miss Andis Dandy ELA 7 & 8s Thesis: Even though school uniforms reduce crime and bullying rates, students should not be forced to wear them because they take away individuality and there isnt enough statistical evidence proving that uniforms improve schools. Teaching kids that they are not one-of-a kind is wrong. Can you imagine having to wear an itchy, ugly skirt all the time? What about that tight button-up shirt with the uncomfortable suspenders that give you a wedgie? When you walk into a school would you rather see clones or individuals? Even though school uniforms reduce crime and bullying rates, students should not be forced to wear them because they take away individuality and there isnt enough statistical evidence proving that uniforms improve schools. Teaching kids that they are not one-of-a kind is wrong. By making students wear uniforms we are teaching them that its easier to hide individuality than to embrace it. Putting students in uniforms is preventing self-expression that can be expressed through clothing. Students are supposed to learn to make smart decisions but how are they supposed to learn if they arent allowed to make decisions at all? Uniforms might reduce bullying but they arent teaching students to be accepting of themselves and others. Uniforms dont really stop bullying. They just cover up the real problem. We read through three different articles and found only one study that said uniforms reduce bullying and experts said that this wasnt just because of uniforms. Schools are not teaching confidence, they are covering it up! At Delburne Centralized we have a less itchy and scratchy way of helping students to make the right decisions. We have the DCS Awards! DCS stands for Dedication, Citizenship, and Spirit. These awards give students freedom to be themselves while being rewarded for things that they do well. We dont need silly costumes to be good students. Its not Halloween. If some families cant even afford food how can they afford uniforms? Even though uniforms might increase student grades, they also increase school fees. Students still have to wear their normal wardrobes on the weekend which means they need two wardrobes! Should students be caged up behind pleats and plaid? You be the judge! Will you make students miserable and steal their identities just to put a band-aid over the real issues? We hope not! Think about freedom of expression. Think about the cost. Think about the horrid wedgies!