Teaching Persuasive Writing and Social Justice with Boy Overboard with Practical Writing Tasks

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Persuasive writing is a powerful tool for shaping opinions and inspiring action. When combined with social justice themes, it encourages students to engage deeply with important issues while developing their communication skills. The novel Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman offers a compelling way to teach persuasive writing through its vivid storytelling about refugees and human rights. This post explores Persuasive Writing and Social Justice with Boy Overboard and how educators can use Boy Overboard to design practical writing tasks such as policy letters, awareness campaigns, and speeches that promote both argument writing and social justice awareness.

Eye-level view of a classroom bookshelf filled with copies of Boy Overboard — Classroom bookshelf with Boy Overboard novels

Persuasive Writing and Social Justice with Boy Overboard:

Using Boy Overboard to Introduce Persuasive Writing

Boy Overboard tells the story of Jamal and Bibi, two children fleeing war-torn Afghanistan to seek safety in Australia. Their journey highlights themes of displacement, courage, and the struggle for human rights. These themes provide a rich context for students to explore social justice issues while practicing persuasive writing.

Teachers can begin by discussing the novel’s key messages and asking students to consider questions like:

Why do refugees face such challenges?
How should governments respond to people seeking asylum?
What can individuals do to support displaced communities?

These questions set the stage for persuasive writing tasks that require students to take a position and support it with evidence from the text and real-world examples.

Designing Policy Letter Writing Tasks

One effective way to teach argument writing is through policy letter writing. Students write letters to government officials or organizations advocating for changes in refugee policies or support services.

Steps for a Policy Letter Task

Research
Students gather facts about refugee rights, asylum policies, and humanitarian aid. They can use reliable sources such as government websites, NGOs, and news articles.
Identify the Audience and Purpose
Clarify who the letter is addressed to (e.g., a local MP, immigration minister) and what change the student wants to see.
Plan the Argument
Students outline their main points, including why the current situation needs improvement and how the proposed changes will help.
Use Evidence fromBoy Overboard
Encourage students to include examples from the novel that illustrate the human impact of policies.
Write with Persuasive Techniques
Teach students to use emotional appeals, facts, and clear reasoning to strengthen their argument.
Edit and Share
Peer review and revision improve clarity and impact. Letters can be shared in class or sent to real officials if appropriate.

Example Prompt

Write a letter to the Australian government urging them to improve support for refugee children arriving by boat. Use Jamal and Bibi’s story to explain why this support matters.

Creating Awareness Campaigns

Awareness campaigns combine persuasive writing with creativity. Students design posters, social media posts, or brochures to inform others about refugee issues and encourage empathy.

Key Elements of an Awareness Campaign

Clear Message

Focus on one main idea, such as the rights of refugees or the importance of welcoming newcomers.

Engaging Visuals

Use images, colors, and fonts that attract attention and reinforce the message.

Persuasive Text

Short, impactful statements or slogans that motivate action or reflection.

Call to Action

Encourage the audience to learn more, donate, volunteer, or advocate.

Classroom Activity

Divide students into groups and assign each a different aspect of refugee experiences from Boy Overboard (e.g., journey, family separation, hope). Each group creates a campaign piece that highlights their topic using persuasive language and facts.

Constructing Speeches for Social Justice

Speech writing helps students develop oral communication skills alongside persuasive writing. Using Boy Overboard as a foundation, students can prepare speeches that raise awareness or call for change.

Speech Writing Process

Choose a Topic
Select an issue from the novel, such as the challenges faced by refugee children or the importance of kindness.
Research and Gather Evidence
Combine information from the book with real-world data or stories.
Organize the Speech
Structure the speech with a strong opening, clear points, and a memorable conclusion.
Use Persuasive Techniques
Include rhetorical questions, repetition, and emotional appeals.
Practice Delivery
Encourage students to rehearse with expression and confidence.