This week, our fifth graders celebrated the completion of research-based argumentative essays on the topic of homework and how to make it beneficial. “Each student wrote a thesis statement with two ways or reasons why homework should be beneficial,” explains Fifth Grade Teacher Erin Noble, “and did Internet research for evidence from experts to include in their essays. They even addressed a possible counterargument and included a rebuttal. These types of assignments are building blocks for the writing skills necessary for middle school success next year.”

In celebration, the class enjoyed a doughnut and read each other's essays, leaving compliments for each author.

I learned…

that an essay has five paragraphs and what the content of each paragraph should be.
Molly P. ’32

how to write a counterargument and rebuttal.
Mariana D-P. ’32

each paragraph must have evidence and quotes.
Aaryaa S. ’32

how to prove my thinking with evidence.
Rowan A. ’32 

how to pull research from websites and add it to my writing.
Leo E. ’32

how important my tone is within the essay. Not just what you say but HOW you say it.
Lila V. ’32

how to take notes that are effective and useful and include where I got the information.
Julius F. ’32