A critical element of third grade curriculum requires students to learn about writing opinion essays. Being able to write or present a persuasive stance on a topic is a crucial life skill that will be used throughout the students’ lifetime. In Ms. Huseman’s third grade class they took this project to heart and put a real world twist to it. The students in her classroom came up with several real life ideas and actually took it a step farther by pitching their favorite case to the Nolan Elementary PTA.
After brainstorming several ideas, the students unanimously agreed upon the one idea that stood out to them as something that every student and teacher would benefit from, and “A picnic table for the playground area” was selected as their essay submission. Nolan has a great playground area, but there was nowhere to sit with a group or an area that provided an outdoor classroom space for teachers to utilize.
The students submitted their opinion essay to the PTA in November (2014) which explained many different reasons why the school needed a picnic table on their playground. The biggest reason they noted was the lack of available seating for teachers or students during recess. Their persuasive writing worked – the PTA voted and granted approval for this project in February, and not only were they approved for one picnic table, but they were approved for two! The picnic tables were delivered in March and have been put to great use during recess periods.
“My students learned that opinion essays generally are written to state a problem and give ideas for solution, or to tell people why they should appreciate someone, someplace, or something. (The picnic table opinion was the former type.). They learned the power of positive thinking as all of their ideas needed to be reasons why the picnic table would be an asset to the playground, not why we were so needy without it. They also learned patience as they did not get immediate gratification. “ –Diane Huseman, Third Grade Teacher at Nolan Elementary School
UltraSite was pleased that their picnic tables were chosen for this project and so proud of Ms. Huseman’s class for their hard work and dedication!
About UltraSite
UltraSite™ a PlayCore company, has been manufacturing high-quality commercial grade outdoor recreation products including a variety of Site Furnishings, Park Amenities, Picnic Tables, Park Benches, and Outdoor Fitness Equipment for over 25 years. Learn more at www.ultra-site.com.
About PlayCore
PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, education, and partnerships. The company infuses this learning into its complete family of brands. PlayCore combines best in class planning and education programs with the most comprehensive array of recreation products available to create play solutions that match the unique needs of the each community they serve. Learn more at www.playcore.com
