Description

Your child writes a short letter or piece from the point of view of someone they disagree with, trying to argue that person's side fairly. A thoughtful writing exercise in stepping into another set of shoes.

What to prep

• paper
• pen
• topic

Play guide

1. 1Together, pick a topic where your child holds a clear opinion and someone else sees it differently.
2. 2Ask them to name the other person's main reasons as fairly as they can, before writing anything.
3. 3Have them write a short letter or piece in the first person as that other viewpoint, making its best honest case.
4. 4Ask them to read it back and check whether they wrote a fair version or a weak, easy-to-knock-down one.
5. 5Talk afterwards about anything they understood better, without either of you having to change your own view.