Need a topic for a persuasive speech

[Starbrite]

DD is only 10 - 4th Grade and they have to do a persuasive speech. I don't think I did my first speech like this until 9th grade, so most of the common topics wouldn't apply to elementary school.

I'd like to have a few suggestions to give her. Any ideas?

 

[fimac]

Did the teacher not have any suggestions ?

Grade 4 my son wrote one on why the school should have a swimming pool. Others why they should have longer recess. Shorter school day. Why the portable should have an air conditioner was a recent one. What is relevant to her that she would change if she could ?

 

[mickeyboat]

DD is only 10 - 4th Grade and they have to do a persuasive speech. I don't think I did my first speech like this until 9th grade, so most of the common topics wouldn't apply to elementary school.

I'd like to have a few suggestions to give her. Any ideas?

Have her think about issues in her school that she could speak about. I think DD wrote a persuasive speech in elementary school about year-round schooling (which was published as a letter to the editor), and my other DD helped make a presentation to the principal about how she should allow 5th graders to chew gum.

 

[Warren W]

Love is ever the beginning of knowledge as fire is of light.

 

[PigletsPal2]

She could persuade her class that Disney World is the best place to vacation:

1. The weather is (usually) good.
2. There are hotels at every price level.
3. There's something for everyone - fantasy at MK, science and the environment at EPCOT, learning about different cultures at EPCOT World Showcase.
4. Animals and dinosaurs at AK.
5. Movies at HS.
6. Rides in every park, both thrill rides and tamer ones
7. Miniature and grown-up golf
8. Great shopping at DTD.

I'm sue she could come up with lots more good reasons, but these have convinced me. I give her an "A"!

Queen Colleen

 

[The Mystery Machine]

DD is only 10 - 4th Grade and they have to do a persuasive speech. I don't think I did my first speech like this until 9th grade, so most of the common topics wouldn't apply to elementary school.

I'd like to have a few suggestions to give her. Any ideas?

Ah, my dd who is a HS freshman has done many speeches, currently working on 2 right now. It is her "thing", so she is in classes that are speech and performance related.

First off is there something she is passionate about? That is probably the core of a persuasive speech.

I will throw out some topics at you and maybe you can go from there.

Recycling, animal related issues/rights, water conservation, bullying, fast food or an eating related topic or something local & current in her community or a "hot topic" in her school as PP's said.

Good Luck!

 

[FINFAN]

I was going to post the same as The Mystery Machine...anything she has a passion for. The beauty of not being given a topic is having the freedom to go with what interests you, and that will make the assignment all the better. My son did his last one on how paintball is a real sport, not just a hobby sport. Got an A (which is not an easy feat for him ) but he is passionate about it. Are they allowing the kids to use a power point yet? If she has visual aids it is even more interesting for them.

 

[justjulie]

LOL, if this assignment was given to my son, he would be writing about why you should be able to bring your skateboard to school!

 

[mrsv98]

School uniforms is always a good topic for that age. Also things like should they have PE every day, why is art/music/drama important in school.

 

[Magic Mom]

DD is only 10 - 4th Grade and they have to do a persuasive speech. I don't think I did my first speech like this until 9th grade, so most of the common topics wouldn't apply to elementary school.

I'd like to have a few suggestions to give her. Any ideas?

The best bet is something that has to do with a current situation at school. For instance, should/shouldn't they have assigned seats in the cafeteria; They should have PE everyday; There should be less students in each class; school should start earlier/later, etc.

 

[Cindy B]

4th grade:

School uniforms
School wants to eliminate field trips. Agree/disagree
School wants to ban water bottles in the school agree/disagree

Large sporting event in your town (Superbowl, World Series, Olympics). Do you argree or disagree with the decision to hold the event in the town.

Eliminate recess- agree or disagree

Saturday schoool-like schools in other countries.

Find something in the local news. For example, in our area some towns are laying off police officers due to budget constraints. Is this the best decision?

Favorite ice cream




I've done the following topics for my middle school students.

Mandatory backpack checks/metal detector in school - agree or disagree

No outside food or beverage in school-agree or disagree (our school is a 100% free lunch school and our administrator does not permit outside food or beverages into the building. )

Is Capital punishment right or wrong? _ I got some very interesting answers.

Should the town down old building of historical signifcance for other purposes such as a parking lot.

I did the police officer prompt with my 8th graders last year. They had some interesting responses to that one as well.

 

[scrapquitler]

DD is only 10 - 4th Grade and they have to do a persuasive speech. I don't think I did my first speech like this until 9th grade, so most of the common topics wouldn't apply to elementary school.

I'd like to have a few suggestions to give her. Any ideas?

A few suggestions:

We should have a longer recess because...
School should serve ice cream instead of lunch because...
We should have a longer vacation because...
We should never get tests in our class because...
I should not have a bedtime because...

 

[Bren's Mom]

I would add...why most 4th graders should still be in booster seats!

 

[Cindy B]

In some schools, parents are no longer allowed to bring in treats for birthdays. Administrators say it takes up too much instructional time. Parents say they want to celebrate for their child. Pick a side.

One local elementary school principal banned the school wide tradition of an afternoon long Halloween party/parade with a one hour long Math and Language Arts fair. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

* yes, the Halloween parade thing actually happened in my childrens elementary school. All the other elementary schools in the district still held Halloween parades/parties. Our principal stated it was not inclusive and did not have any instructional merit- hence the math and language arts fair.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

How about persuading the class they need a group trip to Disney World?

 

[Starbrite]

Thank you for all the ideas!!

She has decided to persuade the class that school should not start until 11am.