Spicy Persuasive Writing: Fairy Tale Debates (SPRING 2025)

What Will Your Child Learn?

In this program, students will explore the timeless wisdom of four original fairy tales, using the Socratic method to engage in thoughtful conversations and debates about character motivations. Through guided discussions, students will take sides on key issues, defending the actions of their chosen characters with clear, well-supported arguments.

What sets this program apart is its emphasis on persuasive writing—students will learn how to:

• Pick an argument to defend a character’s actions, such as whether Jack was right to steal from the giant or if Hansel and Gretel were justified in tricking the witch.
• Read and analyze four original fairy tales like Jack and the Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, and more, learning how to break down the characters’ decisions and uncover hidden motives.
• Master annotation and note-taking through the Cornell Note-Taking System, empowering them to extract key evidence and highlight important themes to strengthen their debates.
• Write and revise persuasive essays, starting with structured in-class paragraphs that evolve into polished essays by the final week.

Along with the Spicy Writing Program: Fairy Tale Debates, each student will receive a specially designed workbook that they can print at home. Available in both full-color or black-and-white line copy, this workbook includes the complete original fairy tales featured in the program, providing students with easy access to the texts for analysis and annotation.

The workbook also offers dedicated space for note-taking using the Cornell Note-Taking System, allowing students to organize their thoughts and mark key points directly on the page as they read. Additionally, it features worksheet questions tailored to guide students through the process of building their persuasive essay outlines. These worksheets are designed to help them break down character motivations, gather evidence from the stories, and develop strong, logical arguments for their final essays.

This comprehensive workbook enhances the learning experience, providing your child with all the tools they need to succeed in the program, whether they’re taking notes, outlining their arguments, or preparing for class debates.

Week-by-Week Breakdown:

• Week 1: Introduction to Fairy Tales & Persuasion
  • Students dive into Jack and the Beanstalk and use the Cornell Note-Taking System to highlight Jack’s key decisions and motivations.
  • Socratic conversation: Was Jack right to steal from the giant? Students choose a side and start gathering evidence to support their argument.
  • In-class writing: Students write their first persuasive paragraph defending their stance.
• Week 2: Understanding Rhetorical Devices
  • Students annotate another classic fairy tale, like Cinderella, focusing on identifying persuasive elements in the story (emotional appeals, logic, character ethics).
  • Socratic conversation: Should Cinderella have accepted help from the fairy godmother? Students debate this ethical dilemma, learning to incorporate ethos, pathos, and logos into their arguments.
  • In-class writing: Students write a new paragraph, using rhetorical devices to strengthen their argument based their side of the Cinderella argument.
• Week 3: Constructing a Persuasive Argument
  • Students dive into Hansel and Gretel, focusing on the characters’ decision-making and annotating their thoughts using Cornell Notes.
  • Full debate: Were Hansel and Gretel justified in tricking the witch? Students engage in a formal debate session, presenting evidence and defending their viewpoint.
  • In-class writing: Students draft their final persuasive paragraph.
• Week 4: Final Persuasive Essay and Peer Review
  • Students will develop critical editing and review skills as they analyze their classmates’ paragraphs, learning how to give insightful, constructive feedback. Through guided discussions, they’ll focus on identifying gaps in logic, the use of rhetorical techniques, and the strength of the supporting evidence.
  • In-class writing: After receiving feedback, students will refine their persuasive paragraphs, sharpening their arguments with stronger evidence and more effective rhetorical devices.
  • Peer review session: In a collaborative setting, students will share their work with the class, practicing how to give and receive thoughtful, actionable feedback that strengthens both the clarity and impact of each other’s arguments. This process fosters a supportive learning environment where every student’s writing improves.

Why This Program Will Benefit Your Child

This program is about so much more than just writing—it’s about developing a powerful voice. Your child will learn to think critically, formulate well-reasoned arguments, and defend their ideas with confidence. By engaging in Socratic conversations, they’ll sharpen their speaking and listening skills, learning how to discuss complex ideas in a supportive, structured environment. And by practicing the art of persuasive writing, they’ll gain valuable tools for academic success, from crafting essays to making presentations.

In the final week, students will have the opportunity to present and critique each other’s work, fostering a collaborative environment where they learn to give and receive helpful, detailed feedback. This peer review process will teach them how to identify the strengths and weaknesses in an argument, helping their classmates—and themselves—become even stronger writers and thinkers.

Ready to Spark Your Child’s Curiosity and Intelligence?

Whether your child loves storytelling or wants to become a better writer, the Spicy Persuasive Writing: Fairy Tale Debates is the perfect way to unlock their potential. They’ll leave this program with a deeper understanding of persuasive writing, sharpened critical thinking skills, and the ability to confidently defend their ideas in any setting.

Don’t wait—give your child the gift of intelligence, creativity, and persuasive power. Enroll today!