Persuasive writing should attempt to sway the reader to the writer's point of view by offering well-supported reasons for holding the opinion espoused by the writer. For fifth graders, use topics that connect to the students' real-life experiences. Have them write about why being an only child or being one of many in a large family is the best (or worst) way to grow up. Or they could write about why they believe they should be legally allowed to have a part-time job. Students can write about an issue that they are experiencing at school, such as the amount of time they are allowed for lunch or special privileges they believe that fifth graders should hold as the "seniors" of elementary school.
Fifth graders can keep a yearlong journal in which they write on a variety of topics. Have them begin the school year by writing on the topic "When I think about myself as a fifth grader, I see ..." Other topics that help fifth graders use their journals to express their innermost thoughts include: "My favorite subject (or teacher) this year is ...," "When I grow up, I will ...," "If I could go back in time, I'd go to ...," "Writing in my journal is different from writing on the computer because ..." and "My favorite book this school year is ..." End the school year by having students write in their journals about what they believe middle school will be like.
Many fifth graders study U.S. geography, particularly focusing on the state names and capitals. Offer them a chance to write a short paper about a particular state -- its climate, major cities and main industries. For these topics, show them how to cite the sources of their information for inclusion at the end of their writing. Students can also write short biographies of famous colonial Americans or Native Americans as part of an early U.S. history lesson. For history lessons on colonial America, they could also write a short description of a day in the life at Plymouth or the Jamestown colony.
Creative writing opportunities should offer fifth-grade students a chance to explore the world of their imaginations. Offer topics that ask them to dream, such as "If I were president, I would...," or "Life when I am 60 will be..." Students can write about a season or holiday, describing a fanciful adventure at Santa's workshop or a favorite Halloween memory. You can also teach them a bit about writing forms and styles by offering them a topic for Haiku writing such as "trees" or "pets." Go over a few limericks with your class, and then tell the students to create a limerick about traveling on a family vacation or a distinctive characteristic of a family member or friend.