School assignments often feel disconnected from the real world for kids—like math problems involving pancakes on a roof or essays about topics that don't spark their interest. For teachers, finding ways to make learning more engaging can be a challenge. However, one teacher’s creative approach to teaching persuasive writing has shown how a little ingenuity and community involvement can turn an assignment into a meaningful and impactful experience for everyone.
Amy McKinney, a third-grade teacher in Pennsylvania, decided to teach her students about persuasive writing by connecting it to a real-world cause. Instead of having them write for an imaginary audience, McKinney partnered with a local animal shelter to provide her students with an authentic purpose for their writing—helping shelter animals find homes.
McKinney shared on Instagram, “Our class teamed up with an animal shelter to help their pets get adopted! We were sent a short description and a photo of each pet, and my students each chose one to write about. We then sent our essays to the shelter to display and post on their social media.”
The results were impressive. McKinney noted, “My students’ engagement was tremendous! They knew the work they were doing would make a huge difference in a pet’s life, so what normally takes us a couple of weeks to do, we completed in just days.”
Knowing their work could directly impact the lives of animals undoubtedly motivated the students, and the connection with a cause many kids care deeply about—animals—only made the task more exciting. Animal shelters are always looking for ways to help their animals find forever homes, so this was a perfect match.
The kids’ descriptions were heartfelt and creative, capturing the pets’ personalities in a way that made it hard not to fall in love with them. Here are a few examples:
“Hi, my name is Peaches, and all I want is a family. ADOPT ME PLEASE. I’m very sweet and like to be petted. I have a unique color and built-in highlights. Please can I have a family to love? The months here feel like forever. Obviously, I’m the best one of all.”
“Adopt me, please! I love other dogs! I’m Pete, and I enjoy the company of other dogs. I’m only 20 pounds at 5 years old, so I’m not too big. You could probably lift me up! I’m kind of shy, but I’ll warm up. All I need is a little baby talk and some petting. Please adopt me.”
“Hi, I’m Judd! Have you ever seen a dog as cute as me? I’m super cute, goofy, and love people. I’d love to go home with an energetic family. I’ve been at the shelter for about a year and would love to go on adventures with you.”
“Hi! My name is Julia. Have you ever seen a cat as cute as me? I love head scratches and cuddles. I’m very sweet and energetic. I’m the perfect cat to have!”
“My name is Ursula. I’m black, but I’m not bad luck! I love to snuggle, and I’m really small—when you can’t reach something, I’ll get it for you! I love head scratches, so if you adopt me, I’ll be your snuggle buddy!”
“My name is Bandit. I’ve been here too long. I’d love a home to snuggle in. I’m shy but enjoy being petted, especially on the head. I’m the best one!”
The students even drew pictures to accompany their persuasive essays, adding an extra touch of charm to their heartfelt appeals. Many teachers were so inspired by the idea that they planned to implement similar projects with their own students.
This creative and meaningful assignment shows how teachers can think outside the box to help students connect their learning with real-world experiences, all while making a difference in their communities.
Follow Amy McKinney’s Instagram page, The Unique Classroom, for more creative classroom ideas.