Process
Step 1 – Research a famous Missourian
- Choose a famous Missourian from the resource list that you would like to see one of our elementary schools named after. Fill out a research planner on your topic!
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Use the research guide to help you gather facts about this person that you will use in your persuasive letter to the school board. You can use books from the library, encyclopedias, and the following online resources to find your facts.
Famous Missourian Resource List
World Book Online (after you log in, click on the Explore Missouri tab)
- Make sure you take ABC notes and fill out a source card for each resource you use during the research process. Remember, we are professionals, not criminals!
Step 2 – Write a persuasive letter to the school board.
Now that you know some important and interesting facts about your famous Missourian, write a letter to the school board to try to persuade them that one of the “new” elementary buildings should be named after this person. An example of a school that is named after a famous person can be seen here.
- Before you write the actual letter, you need to organize your thoughts. Use the online interactive Persuasion Map to help you plan your points, or use one of the printable planning sheets.
- Make sure you look at the scoring guide to be sure you do a professional job!
- Use your persuasion map to help you write your letter. You may also use the online letter generator tool and the business letter format guide to help you construct your letter.