First Grade Opinion Writing Lesson Plan

First Graders: Writing an Opinion and Giving Reasons— Opinion writing is an important skill for young students to develop. As they learn how to share their opinions on the page, students will begin to develop an understanding of how to form strong points, how to structure a cohesive argument with a main idea and supporting information, and how to own their personal thoughts and ideas.

Lesson Plan for 1st Grade Opinion Writing

With kids developing more self-confidence in their opinions and a greater set of skills that they may use to explain why they hold certain beliefs, young students will be better equipped to face more advanced writing assignments and conversations with their peers and the adults in their lives.

In this lesson, students will learn how to differentiate between facts and opinions and how to recognize that others may not have the same beliefs that they do.

As they practice stating their thoughts as opinions and giving reasons for their personal beliefs through both speech and writing, students will learn how to express their ideas in a constructive fashion and how to identify when others are stating facts versus offering opinions.

Title: Writing an opinion piece
Subject: Writing
Grade Level: 1^st grade (age 6-7)
Time Duration: 30 min.
Materials: Chart paper, markers, paper, pencils

Objective: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.1)

Anticipatory Set:

How many of you have heard of the word “opinion”? Can you tell us where or how you heard it? What do you think it means?

Chart student answers on chart paper as they answer.

Direct Instruction:

“Opinion” means to tell others what you think about something.

For example, “It is my opinion that chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.” But not everyone will have the same opinion.

(Ask students…. “Student: What is your opinion about chocolate ice cream?” Tell them they can answer: “I think that chocolate ice cream is _________”.)

Now, when I tell my opinion, I need to give reasons why I think the way I do.

“I think chocolate ice cream is the best flavor because it is sweet and tastes great on a hot day.”

I gave two reasons here. Can you tell what they are?

(Now, practice with another student who volunteers to come to the front of the class.)

When we speak or write, we should use this format: (have this posted for students to look at).

In my opinion, I think that _______________________. One reason for this is __________________________. Another reason is _________________________. This is why I think ____________________________________.

Guided Practice:

In pairs, students will tell their partner their opinion about the best TV show and tell two reasons why. The teacher will walk around and correct/help as needed.

After about 5-7 minutes, ask for students to share out what their partner said. Be sure students speak in complete sentences and use the format given.

Independent Practice:

Students will write a short paragraph using the above format explaining what is the best movie they have seen.

Closure:

What is an opinion?

Assessment:

Students are able to write a short paragraph using the format outlined in this lesson. Suggested Topic: Best video game to play with friends.

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