Why I Picked It Up:
I was at the Texas Association for Literacy Education conference in Waco and One Word from Sophia was shared during a session I attended. Immediately I swiped it into my Amazon cart (yes, while the session was still happening)!
Why I Finished It:
Well, I didn’t have a choice the first time because it was read to me in the session. Normally I dislike hearing a whole book read aloud in a professional development session, but I’m glad she did because my teacher’s brain started going nuts with this book! Sweet little Sophia wants a pet giraffe, but of course, the adults in her life are not having it. So she goes on a mission to convince them to let her have a giraffe. Nothing new, I know! BUT, she constructs different arguments for different audiences and she receives feedback from each one. With every bit of feedback, she tweaks her argument. This is what makes this story original and fabulous! The vocabulary is strong but accessible and Sophia and her family are so likable!
Who I Would Give It To:
All teachers of Writers’ Workshop. This gem is a must for classrooms from Kindergarten all the way up. While the character and storyline might not be enjoyed by older students, the concepts of writing for an audience and word choice could be for EVERYONE! This book would also be a great addition to a “lap reading” home library. I am reading it to my 8th graders when we discuss the audience in a persuasive paper.
Integration Ideas:
Persuasive Writing – Audience and Word Choice
Arguably the most important focus when planning an argumentative text is the audience. I believe the writer must know and understand their audience before ideas are formulated, words are chosen, and text is created. I have always had a large collection of mentor texts that I use during a persuasive unit, but none focus on changing the structure of the argument for different audiences. That is why I’m so excited to add this text!
Read the book through once for enjoyment, it is definitely fun. Next, reread the text (I suggest the following day) while students take notes on how Sophia addresses her different audiences. My students use this One Word From Sophia Graphic Organizer while they listen to the story. The idea is to take notes on how she changes her argument to make her point.
Afterward, students will discuss their findings in small groups to help refine and clarify their thinking. The next and most important step would be that they now put their newly learned information into their own writing. Students will go to their own topic and decide who the intended audience will be. Once chosen, they will think about their audience using this form (Choosing My Audience and Argument). Allow time for the students to share their thinking and receive feedback (partners work best for this).
Once the audience has been identified, pay attention to the type of language that should be used for this particular audience. Go through the mentor text again and review specific word choices Sophia made for the different audiences. Also, consider the advice that each adult gave her about her wordiness. Have students then think of their own writing and audience. Ask them what type of language should be used?
Vocabulary & Technology Integration
One Word from Sophia does such a great job of using high-level words in a way that everyone can understand. Challenge students to use a new word in their own writing. There are websites that will offer the students fun words of the day. Try these sites:
- Dictionary.com
- Vocabulary.com (my personal favorite site)
- Super Kids
- Daily Buzz Word
Try doing one an app smash like this one with a favorite vocabulary word!
How will you use this book? Which books are your favorite for teaching persuasive writing?
Thanks so much for this article. I cannot tell you how gratifying it is to see how teachers use our book at all grade levels.
Take care
Jim Averbeck
PS – just an FYI TWO PROBLEMS FOR SOPHIA is a STEM book and the third Sophia book- LOVE BY SOPHIA – is a STEAM book that gives a nod to art.
It must be equally gratifying to receive recognition from the author! ๐We’re thrilled that you like our ideas and we will definitely check out the follow-up books!