opinion writing example 1st grade

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Teaching Made Easy in First Grade

Opinion Writing First Grade

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Ask first graders to share their opinions and the song Who Let the Dogs Out immediately comes to mind. They will seriously pepper us with opinions faster than flies can invade a juicy burger in the summertime.

Ask them to write their opinions and support them with reasons … well…that’s a whole different story.

It’s not unusual for a first grader to write something like this: I like art best because it is fun. It is really fun. It’s really super-duper fun.

Sound familiar? Of course, it does. We’ve all been there.

Now the question is…are you ready to make opinions such as these a thing of the past?

If so, stick with me as I share 10 teaching tips that are guaranteed to take your first graders’ opinion writing to the next level.

1: IMMERSE YOUR STUDENTS IN MENTOR TEXTS THAT INSPIRE OPINIONS

Oh how we teachers love mentor texts. They’re fun to read, engaging for students, and pack a powerful instructional punch.

The trick is choosing the right ones.

There are so many to choose from. Ultimately, we want to choose books that will inspire our students to form passionate opinions.

Here are a few favorites:

• I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman
• The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
• The Best Part of Me: Children Talk About their Bodies in Pictures and Words by Wendy Ewald
• Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett
• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
• The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini
• I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman

I think you’ll agree with me when I say that mentor texts are a great way to introduce our students to new writing genres.

Once we’ve dug through our book collections and have chosen a few books that will inspire our students to form strong opinions, we’re ready for the next step.

Read! Then informally have students either verbally share or engage in a quick write to express their opinions.

(Looking for a done-for-you Scaffolded Writing Resources for First or Second Grade – CLICK HERE .)

2: AUTHENTICALLY TEACH STUDENTS TO DISTINGUISH FACTS FROM OPINIONS

Ask our students if it’s a fact that recess is the best part of the school day .

Try it! I did.

The result? Picture an overjoyed classroom with students grinning from ear to ear and proudly exclaiming that it is definitely a fact that recess is the best part of the school day.

This leads us to this:

Our children need to be taught how to distinguish facts from opinions.

They need to be taught that a  fact is a true statement that can be proven to be true . A factual statement is true for everyone . For example, A cow needs food and water to survive. Everyone would agree that this statement is true. It’s a fact.

And an opinion  is how a person thinks or feels about something. It’s true for some, but not for everyone . For example, Cats make the very best pets. Every one  would not agree that this statement is true. If it’s not true for everyone, and cannot be proven to be true, it’s an opinion.

How can we practice this skill with our students?

Again, mentor texts for the win. We’ll want to choose books that have both facts and opinions in them.

For example, the book I Wanna Iguana (by Karen Kaufman), is full of facts and opinions. Above is a picture of one of the pages. The premise of this book is that Alex (the boy) is trying to convince his mom to let him have a pet iguana. On this page, a fact is presented (iguanas are really quiet) and an opinion (they’re cute…cuter than hamsters). 

After teaching our students the difference between facts and opinions, grab a mentor text and practice.

With the example above, we could ask our students if the following are facts or opinions about iguanas.

• Is it a fact or an opinion that iguanas are quiet? 
• Alex states in his letter that iguanas are cute? Is that a fact or an opinion?
• Is it a fact or an opinion that iguanas are much cuter than hamsters?

So let’s grab a few mentor texts and begin practicing the skill of deciphering facts from opinions with our students.

3: MASTER VERBALLY SHARING OPINIONS AND SUPPORTING REASONS

Would you take a first-time skier to the top of a mountain and drop them off after you’ve told them how to ski? Of course, you wouldn’t. You’d work up to it. (Unless, of course, we’re talking about my husband…which is a story for another time.)

Before we teach our students to write opinions and support those opinions with reasons, we want to practice this skill verbally . As we all know, opinions come easily for little humans, reasons …not so much.

How can we do this?

One fun way to practice this skill is to play Would You Rather? . Our students gobble this activity up like they devour ice cream on a hot summer day.

Here’s how to play:

Present a Would You Rather  question to the class such as this: Would you rather spend a day at a park or at a beach?

Give students time to decide what they’d rather do and have them think of a reason to support their opinion . Tell students that they must be ready to share not only their opinion but also their reason why they chose what they chose.

Designate two areas in your room for your students to go to. For example, you might have your students who would rather spend the day at the park move to the left side of the classroom, and students who would rather spend the day at a beach go to the right side.

Have students share out their opinion and reasons for their opinion. Repeat.

Seize this opportunity to not only teach an essential skill to your students, but also as a learning-based brain break. Purposeful movement for the win!

4: VERBALLY TEACH CRITICAL PARTS OF AN OPINION WRITING PAPER

By this point our students have listened to opinion-based mentor texts, they’ve learned the difference between facts and opinions, and they’ve practiced supporting their opinions with reasons .

Do you see what we did? We’ve gently scaffolded learning for our young learners. Our students have now been exposed to all the critical parts of opinion writing prior to ever putting pencil to paper.

Now is the perfect time to verbally model an opinion writing piece while using think-aloud to teach the parts of opinion writing . ( Written modeling will occur a bit later…we are all about scaffolding so all our students have access to the learning.)

An introduction to the parts of opinion writing might look something like this:

“Boys and girls, we’ve read lots of books and talked about opinions . We’ve learned the difference between facts and opinions . We’ve practiced giving opinions and s upporting our opinions with reasons .

Today, we’re going to learn about a new kind of writing. It’s called opinion writing.

There are three important parts to opinion writing – an opinion statement, reasons to support the opinion statement, and a closing.

I’m going to use this picture of a hamburger to help you remember the parts of opinion writing (draw or show a picture of a hamburger – see example above).

On the top of the hamburger, I see the top hamburger bun. (Point to the top bun.) That’s like my opinion statement. My opinion statement goes on the top. I’m thinking of an opinion statement I have. It’s this: Teaching is the best job in the world. 

After the hamburger bun top, I see some yummy fillings like tomatoes, cheese, and hamburger. These yummy fillings remind me of the reasons that support my opinion – they’re the juicy parts that strengthen my opinion.

I’m thinking of reasons to support my opinion that ‘ Teaching is the best job in the world. ‘

One reason is this: I get to work with kids every day. I love kids.

Another reason  is this: Teachers are always learning new things. I love to learn.

See how simple that was. I stated my opinion, then gave reasons to support my opinion. Now I’m looking at the hamburger and I see the bottom bun. It reminds me that I need to finish my opinion writing piece by writing a closing sentence.

In my closing sentence, I want to restate my opinion in a different way. Hmmmm…. I want to say this: I have no doubt that teaching is the greatest job in the world.

When it’s time for you to do your own opinion writing, think of this hamburger. Remember that you’ll begin with an opinion statement, you’ll support your opinion statement with reasons that explain why you have that opinion, then you’ll write a closing sentence.”

5: CREATE A SIMPLE, BUT HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, OPINION WRITING PLAN

Imagine you have one day to move into a new classroom and be ready to teach the next day.  (True story here. This is what happens when you volunteer to move to a portable, but the portable isn’t delivered to your school in a timely manner.) You frantically move all your things – haphazardly stuffing cupboards and other nooks as fast as you can.

Got the visual? What do you see? A gigantic mess that needs to be organized in a logical way? Exactly!

This is what can happen when we ask our children to write without first making a plan.

What does an opinion writing plan look like in first grade?

Simple – a web.

In the middle of the web, we have our students write their opinion. Then they create spokes coming out from the center where reasons are written. If they want to add more details about their reasons, they create additional spokes off of the reasons. (This would be for our more advanced writers.)

Look at the picture above to help visualize what this looks like. One thing students might need instruction and practice with is writing just a word or two to express their reasons. We don’t want them using complete sentences here.

Why a web? It’s simple to use and gets the job done. No need to overcomplicate this step

6: TEACH AN INSANELY EASY PREWRITING ACTIVITY THAT LEADS TO KILLER RESULTS

Oral language matters – a lot ! There’s a reason we have all those language standards.

Students who are given an opportunity to verbally share their stories prior to writing produce stronger writing pieces . Always!

By allowing our students to verbally share their ideas prior to writing, students are given an opportunity to shape, order, strengthen, and clarify their ideas in a non-threatening way.

The touch and tell strategy is effective and, best of all, it’s oh so simple.

This is what it looks like:

• Put students in small groups or pairs.
• Each student has a turn touching each part of their writing plan and verbally sharing full sentences to express their ideas.
• Always have students touch the center of the web first to share their opinion.
• Then have students touch each spoke (remember…the spokes contain reasons to support their opinions ) and tell each part using full sentences.
• Finally, students touch the center again and give a closing statement that refers back to the topic.

That’s it. It’s as easy as a Sunday morning, yet as powerful as a young child’s ability to tug at our heartstrings.

7: MODEL HOW TO WRITE AN EXCELLENT OPINION PAPER

A heart surgeon observes many operations prior to ever performing an operation. A mechanic observes many engine repair jobs before attempting to repair an engine. Our students must observe the process of opinion writing – many times.

I’m not comparing creating an opinion writing piece to heart surgery or repairing engines, but the power of observation is the same.

We learn so much by observing experts. And you, my friend, are the expert.

This is what a modeled opinion writing lesson might look like:

“Okay my little writers, today I am going to show you how to write an opinion paper. I’m looking at the center of my web and it says that summer is the best season. I’m going to write this:  I think that summer is the best season. 

There, I just wrote my opinion, but now I have to support my opinion with reasons. I’m looking at my planning web and it says the word swim. Hmmmm… I can’t just write the word swim . That’s not a complete sentence. I’m going to write this: One reason I love summer so much is because I get to go swimming. 

I want to say a little more about that. I’m going to write this:  Swimming is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. 

When I look at my planning web, I see that I wrote barbecues . That’s because I love having barbecues. I’m going to write this:  Another reason I love summer is because I get to have lots of barbecues. 

I want to say a little more about that too. I’ll write this:  I just love getting together with my family and friends to eat and play games. 

I told my opinion, gave reasons to support my opinion, now I’m ready to write a closing sentence. The closing sentence reminds the reader of my opinion. I’m going to write this: While other seasons are great, summer is definitely my favorite season of all. 

There, I just wrote an entire opinion writing paper. Next, you will begin writing your own opinion papers. I can’t wait to read what you write!”

8: LET THEM PUT PENCIL TO PAPER AND WRITE MAGNIFICENT OPINION PIECES

We’ve introduced our students to opinion writing pieces through mentor texts, taught them the difference between facts and opinions, practiced verbally sharing opinions and reasons to support those opinions, taught students the parts of an opinion writing piece and how to create a plan, practiced verbally sharing a story plan using touch and tell, modeled the entire process.

Now it’s time for us to set our students free to write and let them shine.

Have you ever painted a room (I have a bit of an addiction to changing the colors in the rooms of my house)? If so, you know how you’ve prepped, painted, cleaned, then sat on the floor to admire your work. This phase reminds me of that.

We’ve put in massive amounts of elbow grease. During this phase, we roam the classroom, provide support as needed, and just relish in the fact that we have set our students up for success.

Enjoy this phase.

9: HAVE STUDENTS EDIT THEIR OPINION WRITING PIECES – FIRST GRADE STYLE

Asking a first grader to edit their writing can often be like asking an exercise enthusiast to skip working out for a day.

They don’t wanna do it!

But do it, they must.

The good news is when we teach editing in context , it’s much more effective (yes…this is backed by research) – teaching editing skills through disconnected grammar skill activities simply don’t work (again…backed by research).

What does editing look like in first grade?

We’ll have our students reread their writing at least two times.

The first time we want them to read through their story to make sure it makes sense . A commonality here is that students may have forgotten to write a word or two. If they have, they simply insert a caret and add the missing word.

The second time, students will read through their opinion writing piece to check for conventions. Have them add capitals and punctuation as needed.

How do we teach the process of editing to students?

We’ll want to teach editing using our own writing examples. And we will want to model this process often using think-aloud as we edit.

We need to be sure to make note of what errors the majority of our class is making. If forgetting to capitalize the word I is a biggie…we will want to model that. If capitals are missing at the beginning of sentences…we’ll want to model that.

In other words…let’s let our students guide our instruction.

10: HAVE STUDENTS REVISE THEIR OPINION WRITING – FIRST GRADE STYLE

Once upon a time revision in my classroom was something my students dreaded more than PE being canceled.

Because I used to ask them to rewrite their entire paper ! Every. Single. Time. (What was I thinking? Way to squash creativity and do nothing to nurture a love of writing!)

For the love of all that is good… do not do this ! Instead…have them revise.. first-grade style .

I can almost hear you asking: What does revising opinion writing first-grade style look like?

Well…here it is:

Let’s have our students read their opinion writing yet one more time . This time, they’re looking for ways to make their writing stronger – more interesting. They do this by adding adjectives, adverbs, and details to their writing by simply inserting carets and words.

That’s it! Simple, effective, and developmentally appropriate.

A mini-lesson for revision might look something like this:

“Writers…Today I am ready to revise my writing about why summer is the best season. I read through the whole thing and really like what I wrote, but I did notice one place where I could make my writing stronger.

I’m looking at this sentence:  I just love getting together with my family and friends to eat and play games. 

When I read that, I’m thinking of eating hamburgers because that’s what we usually cook when we have a barbecue. So I’m going to make a caret and write the word ‘hamburgers’ after the word ‘eat’.

I’m also thinking about how we play horseshoes when we have barbecues. So I’m going to add the words ‘like horseshoes’ after the word games.

Now I’m going to read my new sentence. It says:  I just love getting together with my family and friends to eat hamburgers and play games like horseshoes.

Yes! I like that sentence much better. It has more details and the reader will be better able to picture what I’m writing about.”

On a side note…some of our first graders are not going to want to make any changes to their writing at first. Writing is hard work when you’re a little human that has to sound out so many words.

That’s okay.

Just keep plugging away at modeling revision with your own writing and, when they’re ready, they’ll grab onto this concept and run.

11: LET STUDENTS CREATE WONDERFUL DRAWINGS

Children love to draw. So let them.

It’s a wonderful way for them to express their creativity. Plus, writing and drawing go hand in hand.

Some students will want to draw first. Let them. This can inspire ideas, organize thoughts, and ultimately lend a hand to stronger writing pieces.

Some students will want to write first. Let them. These are likely your linguistic learners. They have all the words already in their heads screaming to get out onto paper.

12: ALLOW TIME FOR STUDENTS TO SHARE THEIR OPINION WRITING MASTERPIECES

I ‘ve literally spent two weeks processing the most helpful opinion writing tips I could share with you on this blog. Just imagine how I’d feel if absolutely no one read it. (Granted, I teach during the day…so I only worked on it during the mornings, nights, and weekends.)

My point is this.:

Would I work this hard on my next blog? Would I put my all into it? No way!

Guess what? The same is true for our students.

We always want to set a purpose for writing . When students know that others will be either reading or listening to their words, the whole process becomes more meaningful and authentic.

Here are a few ideas for sharing:

• Put students in pairs or small groups to share.
• Have an Author’s Chair and have a few students share each day, so that by the week’s end all students have shared.
• Ask another teacher if your students can share their writing with his or her students.
• Have students read their opinion writing pieces to someone in their home.

THE BOTTOM LINE

All first graders are capable of rockin’ the craft of opinion writing. Start small by emerging them into wonderful mentor texts, teach them how to decipher facts from opinions, have them practice verbally sharing opinions and support those opinions with reasons, and verbally share an opinion writing piece.

When we’ve done these things, we’ve built a strong foundation for them to stand on.

Once the foundation has been built, we’re ready to build the concepts of planning, writing, editing, revising, and sharing.

Take it slow.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘Go slow to go fast’. To ensure success for all, make this your motto.

Are you ready to be the opinion writing teacher rockstar of the year?

YES! You are!

Until next time!

Be the change by staying positive, continuing to grow in your craft, and spreading goodness everywhere.

Looking for Structured Writing Curriculum?

If you’re looking for a done-for-you First Grade Opinion Writing resource that will make teaching writing the favorite part of your day, CLICK HERE . We’ve got your back.

If you teach second grade, CLICK HERE . We’ve got your back too.

But don’t take our word for it. These are the types of reviews we receive.

“I have been using the workshop model for years, but since the pandemic, I have noticed that it is less effective and I have several kids that “miss the mark”. I wanted to find something that would provide more structured, direct instruction. THIS IS IT! I love how everything is laid out. We will only get through the personal narrative unit because I purchased this in the second semester, but I am looking forward to using this next year! My kids have even said how much they love this version of our writing time. They seem to be way more engaged and also seem to understand the genre so much better than I have ever had in the past. Thank you so much for what, I can only assume, was a huge labor of love when making this resource. This teacher (and first graders) are so thankful to feel like our writing time is enjoyable and successful!” -Maleah

September 10, 2021 at 10:55 am

Love the process and how you share teacher modeling! Thank you for sharing!

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Opinion Writing: Tips, Ideas, and Freebies (W K.1 + W 1.1)

@FIRSTGRADEBUDDIES

Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Opinion Writing in First Grade

Opinion writing in first grade is a little tricky. It’s not because kids don’t have opinions. They have plenty. And if you’ve been a teacher for even two minutes, you already know this.

It’s because they’re also storytellers and they can’t help themselves from sharing all their comings and goings with anyone who will listen. Even though you’ve taught umpteen opinion writing lessons, there are always a handful of kids who keep churning out narrative after narrative.

So how can we help growing writers change lanes and stay there for a bit?

USE WRITING SAMPLES

This is one of my go-to strategies:👉 If we want children to understand what an opinion piece is , they need to know what it  isn’t . Poring over writing samples is one way to accomplish this.

I don’t use actual student writing samples publicly unless I’m gushing all over something cool one of our writers tried. Instead, I make my own, which also helps me control the content so I can meet my instructional goals.

The lesson design is simple, but so much rich conversation emerges through the collaboration, it pays off in big ways. Working in small teams of 3-4 kids, I give each group a set of three writing samples. One is a personal narrative, one reads more like a how-to piece, and one is an opinion piece supported by reasons. The challenge to each team is to study and discuss the samples and decide which one is the opinion piece.

It reminds them of the game “Two Truths and a Lie.” (Their words, not mine.)

Lessons like these are a hit with my students. One, I guess it feels like a game. Two, they feel like the teacher … almost like they’re grading something. And three, it appeals to all my mystery-loving kids because they’re trying to figure out which sample  IS the opinion piece … and better yet,  WHY .

In this particular set of samples, it’s Carlos for the win.👇

MORE ON SAMPLES

You can grab these resources and try out the lesson with your students. Then, consider making more of your own. This way, you can tailor the samples to your students’ needs and your teaching style.

Also, think about doing this kind of work a few times during a unit of study. Evaluative exercises like these deepen understanding by asking kids to collaborate and articulate:

• What do you notice?
• What type of writing is this? How do you know?
• Name some of the strong moves you see in this piece.
• How could this be stronger? What is needed?
• What encouraging feedback do you have for this writer?

By using samples you create yourself, it provides a safe space for your students to ask questions and speak openly.

OPINION WRITING IN FIRST GRADE: WRITE REVIEWS

One of our favorite mini-studies inside our opinion writing unit focuses on writing reviews. We include ratings with our reviews, which are rooted in opinions. Kids can review all sorts of things:

• movies and shows
• games and toys
• sports equipment
• restaurants
• parks, beaches, trails
• school supplies

I mean who among us doesn’t have an opinion about Crayola vs. “other” crayons?

And having kids assign a rating to something reflects their personal opinion about it. This is a natural way of thinking for some kids. I remember when my son was little, he would rate and rank all of his cars, always comparing the performance of the Matchbox cars to the Hot Wheels. It’s no surprise to me that he’s a stats and economics major in college now.

TEMPLATES FOR WRITING REVIEWS

Writing templates are one way to support children as they’re learning a new genre of writing. I try to have a variety so children have different options to choose from. For example, some children like 5-Star reviews whereas others are overwhelmed by that many stars and like just having three … (1) I don’t like it. (2) It’s okay. (3) I love it. Other kids like having facial expressions to help them make a rating decision. To me, it doesn’t really matter which template they choose. It matters more that they’re able to choose a format that will help them organize and express their thoughts.

I also included a mock-student sample for the review of a rollercoaster.👇 Sharing this sample helps give kids a sense of what a review might sound like. Fingers crossed, it’ll help them understand the difference between personal narrative structures and opinion writing.

MORE WRITING TEMPLATES

How-To Books: Writing Templates for Grades K-2

All About Books: Research and Writing Templates

THIS or THAT? – Quick Writes for Opinions

RELATED BLOG POST

Informational Writing Templates for Kids

Happy teaching!

In the Loop

andrea.knight.teacher.author

1st Grade Opinion Writing Prompts: Encourage Young Voices

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Encourage Confidence and Expression: The Importance of Opinion Writing in 1st Grade

Nurturing critical thinking: how opinion writing prompts build analytical skills, fostering creativity: unleashing young minds through opinion writing exercises, developing persuasive skills: teaching 1st graders to argue their point, creating a supportive environment: techniques to encourage young voices in opinion writing, diverse opinion writing prompts: inspiring 1st graders from various backgrounds, providing guidance and feedback: strategies for effective opinion writing instruction, frequently asked questions, future outlook.

The Importance of Opinion Writing in 1st Grade

Encouraging confidence and expression is crucial for the overall development of 1st-grade students. Opinion writing plays a significant role in fostering these qualities, allowing young minds to explore their thoughts, beliefs, and unique perspectives. By nurturing the art of opinion writing from an early age, we empower children to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and individuals who are unafraid to express themselves.

Benefits of Opinion Writing:

• Develops critical thinking: Opinion writing prompts children to analyze different viewpoints and think deeply about their own beliefs and values. Through the process of articulating their opinions, students learn to evaluate evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and support their stance with logical reasoning.
• Strengthens communication skills: Expressing thoughts and feelings coherently is an essential life skill. Opinion writing allows 1st-grade students to practice organizing their ideas, structuring sentences, and using appropriate vocabulary to convey their message effectively. These skills not only enhance their writing abilities but also contribute to better verbal communication.

The use of opinion writing prompts can greatly contribute to the development of analytical skills and critical thinking among students. By engaging in opinion writing, students are pushed to examine various perspectives, evaluate evidence, and form well-reasoned arguments. This process not only enhances their ability to think critically but also nurtures their ability to express their thoughts and opinions effectively.

Opinion writing prompts provide a platform for students to explore complex issues and develop logical reasoning skills. Such prompts encourage students to consider multiple viewpoints and weigh the evidence presented for each perspective. This helps them cultivate a habit of examining information critically rather than accepting it at face value. Additionally, the act of constructing coherent arguments in response to opinion prompts encourages students to organize their thoughts, develop supporting evidence, and articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively. These skills are crucial for success in various academic and professional settings.

• Engages students in higher-order thinking
• Promotes analysis and evaluation of multiple perspectives
• Encourages forming well-supported arguments
• Enhances the ability to reason logically
• Nurtures effective communication skills

By incorporating opinion writing prompts into the curriculum, educators can foster an environment that values critical thinking and helps students develop the necessary skills to succeed in their academic and personal lives. By providing students with opportunities to engage with complex issues, analyze differing perspectives, and communicate their own thoughts effectively, opinion writing prompts serve as a powerful tool in nurturing critical thinking and building analytical skills.

Opinion writing is not just about expressing one’s thoughts and beliefs; it is a powerful tool that can stimulate creativity and foster critical thinking among young minds. By engaging in opinion writing exercises, children are encouraged to explore their own perspectives and develop their ability to formulate and defend arguments. This process not only enhances their writing skills but also empowers them to express themselves confidently and assertively.

Opinion writing exercises encourage students to think independently and expand their intellectual horizons. It prompts them to examine various viewpoints and consider alternative perspectives to develop a well-rounded argument. Additionally, exposing children to a diverse range of topics for opinion writing exercises nurtures their curiosity and broadens their knowledge base. Through researching and forming opinions about subjects such as the environment, social issues, or even fictional characters, children learn to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles. As they embrace imagination and creativity, young minds build resilience and adaptability, qualities essential for success in an ever-evolving world.

Teaching 1st graders the art of persuasion may seem like a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and enriching experience for both students and teachers. By developing persuasive skills at an early age, children can learn to express themselves confidently, think critically, and negotiate effectively. Here are some effective strategies to help your 1st graders argue their point and become budding persuasive speakers:

Create a Safe and Supportive Environment:

• Encourage open discussions where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
• Teach the importance of listening actively and respecting others’ viewpoints.
• Foster a collaborative classroom culture where individual ideas are valued.

Explore Real-Life Examples:

• Introduce relatable scenarios that stimulate their critical thinking and encourage them to express their perspective.
• Discuss topics that 1st graders can relate to, such as choosing a classroom pet or planning a school event.
• Show examples of persuasive techniques used in advertisements or children’s books to help them understand how to appeal to an audience.

By implementing these strategies, you can provide 1st graders with the foundation to develop their persuasive skills, empowering them to articulate their thoughts and convincingly argue their point. With practice and guidance, these young learners will not only become effective communicators but also develop a crucial life skill that will benefit them in various aspects of their lives.

When it comes to opinion writing, creating a supportive environment is crucial in encouraging young voices to express their thoughts confidently. Here are some effective techniques that can help foster a positive and empowering atmosphere:

1. Encourage individuality: Teach students that their opinions are valid and unique. Emphasize that diversity of perspectives is an essential part of any discussion. By valuing and respecting each student’s viewpoint, you create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves.

2. Provide constructive feedback: Feedback plays a vital role in helping young writers grow and improve their skills. Foster a culture where feedback is seen as a valuable tool for growth, emphasizing the importance of both giving and receiving it. Encourage students to provide specific, actionable feedback that highlights strengths and suggests areas for improvement. This will empower them to embrace revisions and take ownership of their writing.

In a world where diversity is celebrated, it is crucial to provide young learners with writing prompts that encourage them to express their unique opinions and embrace the perspectives of others. Here are some thought-provoking writing prompts designed specifically for first graders from various backgrounds, enabling them to develop their critical thinking skills while fostering a sense of inclusion and understanding.

1. My Favorite Holiday Tradition: Whether you celebrate Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, or Eid, describe your favorite tradition during the holiday season. How does it make you feel? What do you love most about it? Encourage students to share their distinct cultural practices and discover similarities and differences among their classmates’ traditions.

2. Exploring New Foods: The world is full of diverse and delicious foods. Write about a new food you have tried that is different from your usual favorites. How did it taste? Did you like it? What cultural background does this food come from? Encourage students to appreciate and respect different cuisines, broadening their culinary horizons.

When it comes to opinion writing instruction, providing guidance and feedback is essential for students to develop effective writing skills. Here are some strategies to help educators create an engaging and supportive learning environment:

1. Clearly define the purpose: Begin by explaining the purpose of opinion writing, emphasizing the importance of expressing ideas and supporting them with evidence. Discuss how opinions can be influenced by personal experiences, values, or information learned in class.

2. Model the writing process: Show students how to formulate an opinion, brainstorm supporting reasons, and organize their thoughts. Provide examples of well-written opinion pieces to illustrate the use of language, persuasive techniques, and clarity of expression.

3. Encourage critical thinking: Help students develop their critical thinking skills by encouraging them to consider different perspectives and anticipate counterarguments. Teach them how to respond to opposing views respectfully, emphasizing the importance of open-mindedness and constructive dialogue.

4. Provide constructive feedback: Regularly review students’ writing and provide specific feedback on areas such as clarity, organization, use of evidence, and persuasive techniques. Highlight the strengths of their arguments and suggest improvements. Encourage peer feedback as well, fostering collaboration and a sense of community in the classroom.

5. Allow for revisions: Emphasize the iterative nature of the writing process by allowing students to revise their initial drafts based on feedback received. Encourage them to reflect on their writing and make adjustments to strengthen their arguments or improve their clarity.

By implementing these strategies, educators can foster a classroom environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and equipped with the necessary skills to excel in opinion writing. Remember, effective instruction involves a combination of guidance, practice, and constructive feedback.

Q: What is opinion writing and why is it important for first-grade students? A: Opinion writing is a form of writing where children express their personal viewpoints and feelings about a particular topic. It is important for first-grade students as it helps them develop critical thinking skills , articulate their thoughts clearly, and build confidence in their own ideas.

Q: How can opinion writing prompts encourage young voices in first graders? A: Opinion writing prompts provide a platform for first graders to share their thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. By giving them a specific topic to write about, it encourages them to form opinions, think independently, and express their unique perspectives.

Q: What type of opinion writing prompts are suitable for first graders? A: Opinion writing prompts for first graders should be age-appropriate, engaging, and related to their experiences. For example, prompts like “What is your favorite season and why?” or “Should children be allowed to have pets?” are great options that allow young students to express themselves with confidence and ease.

Q: How can parents and teachers support first graders in opinion writing? A: Parents and teachers can support first graders in opinion writing by providing guidance and encouragement. They can help children brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and edit their work. Additionally, offering praise and positive feedback fosters a nurturing environment that motivates young writers to voice their opinions.

Q: Are there any benefits to incorporating opinion writing into the first-grade curriculum? A: Yes, there are several benefits to incorporating opinion writing into the first-grade curriculum. It helps develop both written and verbal communication skills, enhances critical thinking abilities , and promotes self-expression among young students. Additionally, it encourages them to consider different perspectives and respect viewpoints that differ from their own.

Q: How can opinion writing in first grade lay the foundation for future academic success? A: Opinion writing in first grade establishes a strong foundation for future academic success by honing essential skills such as logical reasoning, evidence-based arguments, and effective communication. These skills are transferable and applicable in various subject areas, enabling students to excel in their studies throughout their educational journey.

Q: How can teachers make opinion writing engaging and enjoyable for first graders? A: Teachers can make opinion writing engaging and enjoyable for first graders by incorporating interactive activities such as class discussions, partner sharing, or group debates. Additionally, incorporating visual aids like colorful charts or real-life examples can help students connect their opinions to the world around them, making the writing process more enjoyable.

Q: How can first graders expand their vocabulary and language skills through opinion writing? A: Opinion writing prompts provide opportunities for first graders to explore new vocabulary words and expand their language skills. Writing about different topics enables them to use descriptive language and express ideas clearly. Teachers can also introduce word banks and encourage students to use synonyms or adjectives to enhance their writing.

Q: What are some effective ways to assess first graders’ opinion writing? A: Assessing first graders’ opinion writing can be done through various methods, including teacher feedback, rubrics, and self-assessment. Teachers can evaluate their work based on criteria such as organization, clarity, supporting reasons, and language usage. Additionally, providing constructive feedback and allowing students to reflect on their own writing helps them improve their skills over time.

Q: How can first-grade opinion writing contribute to personal growth and confidence building? A: First-grade opinion writing allows children to express their unique thoughts and ideas, fostering personal growth and building confidence. By valuing their opinions and providing a safe space for expression, it instills a sense of self-assurance and encourages them to embrace their individuality, ultimately boosting their self-esteem.

In conclusion, using opinion writing prompts in 1st grade empowers young students to express their thoughts and develop critical thinking skills. Encouraging their voices early on sets the foundation for effective communication and self-expression in the future.

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Teaching opinion writing tips and activities.

Today, you’re going to get a bunch of teaching opinion writing tips. I’m going to what best practices I think you can follow. I hope that you’re going to walk away with a clear understanding of what is expected when teaching this standard. I also hope you walk away with some fun ideas and activities to add to your lesson plans! All of the images you see below (except for the read-alouds) are part of my ELA writing units. The links to all grade levels are at the bottom!

Let’s dive into the opinion writing standards

Common Core writing domain focuses on three big types of writing:  informative, narrative, and today’s topic OPINION WRITING! It begins kindergarten and each year, gets progressively more in depth and detailed. Here is a look at K-5’s expectations for opinion writing, according to Common Core.

• Kinder: Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces in which they tell a reader the topic or the name of the book they are writing about and state an opinion or preference about the topic or book (e.g., My favorite book is.. .).
• 1st: Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion and provide some sense of closure.
• 2nd: Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because , and , also ) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.
• 3rd: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons. (a- Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.) (b- Provide reasons that support the opinion.) (c- Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because , therefore , since , for example ) to connect opinion and reasons.) (d- Provide a concluding statement or section.)
• 4th: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. (a- Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.) (b- Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.) (c- Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance , in order to , in addition ).) (d- Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.)

Outline of how to teach opinion writing…

• What is opinion writing?
• How do I state an opinion?
• Supporting your opinion
• Introductions explicit teaching
• Conclusions explicit teaching
• Provide lots of practice

If you teach opinion writing broken up in parts like this, your students can focus on each part. That way, they can get a true grasp of what each piece requires and how to write it.

Load up on Mentor Texts

Every single part of this blog post will include mentor texts. Each time you teach your students about a component of opinion writing, use a strong example! Mentor texts are great because students can see what they’re learning in engaging or familiar books. Then, it can help them with their own practice. Each of the book links below are affiliate links to Amazon.

• Hey Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose
• I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty
• My Teacher for President by Kay Winters
• The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini
• I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman Orloff
• I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff
• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
• Red is Best by Kathy Stinson
• Earrings by Judith Viorst
• Don’t Let Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
• Click, Clack, Moo by Doreen Cronin

First, teach WHAT Opinion Writing is

When you begin your opinion writing unit, you of course need to start with teaching them what it is. You will be showing them the framework of an opinion writing piece. First, create an anchor chart (or use one provided to you in my ELA units). Then, as you explore texts, examples, and activities, you can refer back to this anchor chart to teach opinion writing framework.

Now, it’s time to get the students talking. Give them an engaging partner talk game, such as Stand Up, Hand Up, Pair Up or Mix-Pair-Share. When they’re with a partner, ask them questions about the actual framework. Ask them the purposes of each component. This will help strengthen their writing when it’s time to start writing independently.

After that, you can start showing them real-world examples. Start with read-alouds and mentor texts. See if students can identify the introduction, opinion sentence, support, and conclusion. Then, give them examples that aren’t tied to a picture book. Above, you see two different activities. One of them asks students to put a puzzle together of sample sentences for each component. The other is a cut-and-glue activity where they have to sort sample sentences. (Links to all resources are at the bottom of the blog post.)

Stating an Opinion

Next, it’s time to simply teach them how to state an opinion. If you’re in kinder or first grade, you may have to take a step back and teach what an opinion is and how it’s different from a fact. But… once that’s determined, you can start teaching opinion sentences.

Make a class anchor chart or display a stem poster in your classroom. This will help trigger their ability to form an opinion sentence. Then, give them a few engaging partner activities. For example, the image above shows a partner game where students are shown an Opinion Stem chart and one picture topic card at a time. They will form an opinion sentence about that topic using a different stem each time.

It’s also important to teach your writers the difference between strong and weak opinion sentences. There is a big difference between “I like pizza” and “Pizza is my favorite dinner”. One way to practice this is to have students sort different sample sentences into the strong and weak categories.

Then, it’s time to let them practice! Try using one of the templates in the ELA unit like the one shown above. It gives students a collection of sentence stems and a topic. They will have to form an opinion sentence using a mixture of all these options!

Dive deeper with reasons

Once you get into second, third, fourth grade (and above), you’re going to be required to teach students how to support their opinion. The big thing that can really help is just the word ‘why’. This helps trigger students to think of the reasons behind their opinion. Once they get to 2nd grade, they have to be able to give reasons why they like or dislike something. Try using an opinion writing anchor chart explaining support.

Now that you’ve taught your students HOW to support their reasons, it’s time to practice. Give them lots of opportunities to try supporting opinions with reasons. There are two activities shown in the image above. First, you have a picture card with an opinion sentence. Students will work with a partner to try to create a strong reason to support this opinion. Next, there is an opinion sentence strip that students will draw and try to create a strong support.

Move onto INTRODUCTIONS when teaching opinion writing

One of the biggest pieces to teaching opinion writing is the introduction. This is the hook. This is where your students are going to try to draw their audience in. First, teach introductions explicitly using an anchor chart or poster from my ELA units. Then, choose one or two mentor texts to show how they’ve used introductions to hook their readers.

It’s a great idea to show students what a strong introduction looks like with modeling. Another way is to give them a matching activity where they have to read introduction sentences and sort them.

Here is another game example for students to participate in. They will match three cards together. First, they will match the topic card and a sample introduction. Then, they will match a strong opinion sentence to follow up their introduction sentence. While playing this game, students can get a strong sense of what an introduction paragraph will look like in a multi-paragraph paper.

Finish up with CONCLUSIONS

Next, you’ll teach conclusions explicitly. Just like you did with introductions, conclusions need to start with an anchor chart or discussion of a poster. Students can learn conclusion stems, reasons for conclusions, and why they’re used. After teaching opinion writing conclusions explicitly, show students examples with mentor texts from the list above. Read one or two mentor texts and discuss what conclusions were used.

Give your students lots of practice with writing conclusions. Hands-on writing activities and matching games are two ways to give them practice singling out conclusions. Above, you see a flip book. They will fold and snip along the dotted edges. Under each flap, students will write an example of each type of conclusion (such as final facts, repeated opinions, personal experiences, and offering a suggestion.

Provide lots of opportunities to practice!

In my ELA units, I also offer 3-4 final writing pieces. They’re presented as lesson plans, so you can still walk students through these steps. First, they’ll be presented with their prompt. The prompt shown above asks which living condition would be worse: Arctic or desert. Then, the steps of the lesson plans walk students through brainstorming, pre-writing, and drafting their papers.

Finally, you’ve taught all the pieces of your opinion writing unit. Therefore, it’s time to practice, practice, practice. Once you teach students to write an opinion piece from start to finish, give them different prompts to write about in their journals. Or they could even write about these as a final opinion writing piece! Choose high-interest and engaging topics for students to write about.

Are you ready for your Opinion Writing resources?

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Opinion Writing (Grades 1-3)

Our Opinion Writing lesson plan for grades 1-3 teaches students what opinions are and the difference between opinion and fact. Students will learn how to write and structure their own opinion papers. They will also practice differentiating between facts and opinions.

Included with this lesson are some adjustments or additions that you can make if you’d like, found in the “Options for Lesson” section of the Classroom Procedure page. One of the optional additions to this lesson is to incorporate the book Stella Has an Opinion by Janiel Wagstaff into your lesson.

Description

Additional information, what our opinion writing (grades 1-3) lesson plan includes.

Lesson Objectives and Overview: Opinion Writing for grades 1-3 teaches students about opinions, the difference between opinion and fact and learn to write a simple opinion paper. At the end of the lesson, students will be able to write opinion pieces on topics or texts and be able to provide reasons that support the opinion.

Classroom Procedure

Every lesson plan provides you with a classroom procedure page that outlines a step-by-step guide to follow. You do not have to follow the guide exactly. The guide helps you organize the lesson and details when to hand out worksheets. It also lists information in the green box that you might find useful. You will find the lesson objectives, state standards, and number of class sessions the lesson should take to complete in this area. In addition, it describes the supplies you will need as well as what and how you need to prepare beforehand.

The supplies you’ll need for this lesson include the worksheets, the book The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald, a digital camera, a printer, photo paper, crayons, and the supplies for the activity. To prepare for this lesson ahead of time, you can gather the supplies, cut paper to size for the activity, prepare classroom discussion problems, and copy the handouts.

Options for Lesson

Included with this lesson is an “Options for Lesson” section that lists a number of suggestions for activities to add to the lesson or substitutions for the ones already in the lesson. There are two simple suggestions for this lesson. The first is to incorporate the book Stella Has an Opinion by Janiel Wagstaff into your lesson. The second is to require examples in the essays for older students.

Teacher Notes

The teacher notes page includes a paragraph with additional guidelines and things to think about as you begin to plan your lesson. It notes that older students, such as 3rd graders, will benefit from an additional requirement to include examples for their opinions in their opinion papers. This page also includes lines that you can use to add your own notes as you’re preparing for this lesson.

OPINION WRITING (GRADES 1-3) LESSON PLAN CONTENT PAGES

Opinion writing.

The Opinion Writing (Grades 1-3) lesson plan includes two pages of content. The lesson begins by asking the questions What is an opinion? and What is the difference between a fact and an opinion? . An opinion is what somebody thinks or believes about something. Facts can be proven. Opinions can be based on facts, but are fundamentally feelings or beliefs that cannot be proven. An example of a fact would be that the car dropped someone off at 10pm. An opinion would be that someone didn’t like that the car dropped them off at 10pm, because that’s too late. With this lesson, students will learn how to write about their opinions.

The lesson then explains the structure of an opinion paper, which the students will write for their homework assignment. At the beginning, you should introduce the topic and tell the readers what your paper is going to talk about. You should state your opinion clearly and tell people how you feel about the topic. You can use one of the following opinion statements to start: I think, I believe, I feel, In my opinion . The lesson includes some more opinion statements that you can use. It also includes connector words that you can use to continue your paper (like o ne reason, another reason , and a lso ).

In the middle of the paper, you should provide reasons and examples for your opinion. You should include more than one reason and put all of them in an order that makes sense. You can use the provided connector words and statements from above. Your teacher might want you to include examples for each reason as well.

At the end of the paper, you should include a conclusion paragraph. Here, you will state your opinion again and tell your readers why it’s a reasonable opinion to have. You can base this on some of the reasons from your paper. You should also include a wrap up, or conclusion, sentence. The lesson includes some examples that you can use for this important final sentence!

OPINION WRITING (GRADES 1-3) LESSON PLAN WORKSHEETS

The Opinion Writing (Grades 1-3) lesson plan includes three worksheets: an activity worksheet, a practice worksheet, and a homework assignment. You can refer to the guide on the classroom procedure page to determine when to hand out each worksheet.

THE BEST PART OF ME ACTIVITY WORKSHEET

For the activity worksheet, students will create a poster that shares their opinion about which part of their body they think is the best part. As a class, the students will first read the book The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald. They will then choose the part of their body that they think is the best (this could be something small, like fingers or toes). Next, they will make a list of the reasons that this is the best part of their body and will write a paragraph about their body part. The paragraph should begin with a clearly stated opinion and then continue with three reasons that they feel this way.

They will then copy their paragraph onto a nicer piece of paper, provided by the teacher. The teacher will then take a picture of the body part and print it so that the student can include it on the poster. Students will glue the picture to the top of the construction paper and include their paragraph on the bottom half. The teacher will then display the posters in the classroom for everyone to see!

OPINION WRITING PRACTICE WORKSHEET

For the practice worksheet, students will look at six boxes with statements written in them and will color in the boxes that contain opinions using a crayon. They will then write opinion sentences on three topics: riding a bike, puppies, and going to bed late. They will begin these sentences with the phrases I believe, I feel, In my opinion, I like , or I dislike . Finally, they will read a sentence that states: People should take a walk every day . They will then look at three related sentences and cross out the one that is not a reason for the original statement.

OPINION PAPER HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

The homework assignment asks students to write an opinion paper. The worksheet lists several options for topics that they can write about. In their paper, they will state their opinion clearly, give three or more reasons to support their opinion, and write a conclusion and closing sentence. They must make sure to use appropriate transition sentences as well.

Students will have two nights to work on their papers. On the first night, they should fill out the opinion paper outline worksheet. They’ll turn it in to their teacher the next day. On the second night, they will write their paper and turn it in the next day.

Worksheet Answer Keys

This lesson plan includes an answer key for the practice worksheet. No answer keys are provided for the activity worksheet or the homework assignment as students’ answers will vary. If you choose to administer the lesson pages to your students via PDF, you will need to save a new file that omits these pages. Otherwise, you can simply print out the applicable pages and keep these as reference for yourself when grading assignments.

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Opinion Writing Grade 1-3

The lesson plan and accompanying worksheets were comprehensive and complete. Due to the present mode of Online Learning, I sent students accompanying videos to further explain before they embarked on the assignment.

Step by step

This resource has step by step instructions how to guide students with writing an opinion piece.

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Teaching Opinion Writing in First Grade

Teach Students How to Write a Topic Sentence.

I have found that having an anchor chart with sentence starters for students to refer to is super helpful. I like to create the chart in front of the students. It might look something like this:

Go Slowly and Progress in Small Steps

By the middle to end of the year, we will be able to write a five-sentence paragraph with a topic sentence, three reasons, and a closing  sentence.

Use the Discussion Web Strategy

Usually, the hardest part for first graders is thinking of good reasons for their opinions.  This is a simple strategy to use.  I like to gather students around me by the easel.  Start by having a question in the middle of your chart, and two columns on the sides.  It should be a question that can have strong opinions on both sides.  The chart above has More/Less as headings, but you could also have Yes/No, or other headings as needed. Then lead the class in a discussion of both viewpoints. List student responses on the chart.  Now, students are ready to complete an opinion writing piece on the question.

Have fun with opinion writing!  

Hi, I’m Jaymie! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I taught for 17 years including 12 years in First Grade, 4 years as a Reading Interventionist, and 1 year in Pre-K. 

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How To Teach Opinion Writing In First Grade

Everyone has an opinion, even elementary students. Use that to your advantage and learn how to teach opinion writing in first grade and kindergarten! Let’s take a look:

If you’ve ever offered a tray of cookies to a classroom full of elementary students you know they each have an opinion. Some insist on the chocolate chip cookie while others really want the peanut butter cookie. Others will turn up their nose to anything except the sugar cookie! Opinion writing can be one of the most interesting genres of writing that you teach because everyone has their own opinion.

Page Contents

What is opinion writing?

The definition of opinion writing is when an author gives their opinion about a topic and then supports it with facts and examples. The idea of stating their opinion is relatively easy for a young child. They either like something or they don’t. The challenging part of teaching a kindergarten or first-grade student how to state their opinion is showing them how to write it in a step-by-step manner.

Common core standards ask students to write opinion pieces that introduce the topic or name the book being written about, express an opinion, supply a reason, and provide some sense of closure. Let’s take a look at how to help students achieve this goal.

Step 1 – Build background knowledge for opinion writing

It’s important that students understand what it means to state their opinion. A great way to show this is by using mentor texts that give good examples of opinions. One of my favorite books to use for this is The Day The Crayons Quit . In this book, a box of crayons goes on strike and writes letters to their owner telling all the reasons they are quitting. It’s a great example of opinion writing that students can understand.

Some other great opinion writing mentor texts are:

Can I Be Your Dog?

Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus

Duck For President

The Perfect Pet

Step 2 – Choose a topic

The first thing you need to do when teaching students how to write their opinion is to choose a topic. It’s important that you pick a subject that is important to kids. It will be much easier for them to express their opinion if they actually care about the topic that you’re discussing. What are some topics that kids are interested in? TV shows, food, video games, toys, holidays are a few examples that you can pick from.

If you’re allowed to use food in your classroom, that can be a great place to begin for opinion writing. An example would be to have students choose from 3 flavors of ice cream – chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Give each child a small scoop and let them enjoy it. When you’re finished, they can write why their ice cream was the best.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for how to teach opinion writing:

• What is your opinion of Valentine chocolates?
• My opinion of coloring eggs
• What is your opinion of jelly beans?

Step 3 – Create an opinion writing anchor chart

Once you’ve introduced the concept of an opinion to your students and decided on a topic, use an anchor chart to help them understand this type of writing. I like to use the OREO model with my students. I tell them that they must begin by giving their O pinion, give a R eason, some E xamples, and then finish by stating their O pinion again.

Need an opinion writing anchor chart for your classroom? Click here to grab this free OREO anchor chart.

Step 4 – Model

Next, model for your students exactly how to write an opinion. Show your students how to refer to your OREO anchor chart to help them remember all the parts included:

Use a large piece of chart paper and show students exactly how to begin by stating your opinion and giving a reason for that opinion.

Next, show students how to give 2-3 examples of why you feel the way you do. As you’re writing remind students that you are starting each sentence with a capital letter, leaving spaces between your words and putting a period at the end of each sentence. Show students how to use an exclamation point if you have a particularly strong feeling about the topic.

Finally, show students how to complete their writing by restating their opinion.

Step 5 – Independent Writing

Now it’s time for students to write their own opinion on the topic. It’s a good idea to remove your example before the students begin. You want your students to write their own opinion, not just copy your example. Be sure to leave your OREO anchor chart where students can see it to remind them of the different parts to include in their writing.

When students are first learning how to write their opinion, it’s a good idea to use a writing template to help them get started. Students can follow the prompts on the template to remind them to state their opinion, give a reason, some examples, and restate their opinion.

As students become proficient in this type of writing they won’t need the aid of a template. These templates are great because they’re differentiated for your struggling, on-level, and advanced learners, meeting the needs of everyone in your classroom.

As your students are working, walk them through the process the first few times they try opinion writing. Take them step-by-step as they write their opening opinion, reason, examples, and closing opinion. Walk around the room and check to make sure every child understands and give help as needed.

Step 6 – Illustrations

Finally, have your students draw a picture to go with their writing. You can even have students make a simple craft to illustrate their opinion.

These differentiated writing templates include opinion, informational, narrative, and friendly letter writing templates with built-in rubrics that are perfect for kindergarten and first-grade writers. Click here to take a closer look.

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33 Mentor Texts for Opinion Writing

Show kids how powerful sharing ideas in writing can be.

In today’s world, we want our teaching to inspire students to be forward thinkers and changemakers. Teaching them how to share their opinions in writing is a key ingredient. Let’s get kids making signs and writing letters, lists, reviews, essays, blog posts, and speeches! Check out some of our favorite opinion-writing mentor texts to bring this important genre to life for kids. We’ve got plenty of picture books for the younger set, and titles to help older kids make the leap to persuasive writing backed by researched facts.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

1. We Disagree by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

A mouse and a squirrel think differently about, well, everything. Can they ever be friends? This is such a cute title for introducing kids to what it means to share an opinion, and it could lead to plenty of writing prompts to open an opinion-writing unit.

Buy it: We Disagree on Amazon

2. I Love Insects by Lizzy Rockwell

This early reader should definitely be in your primary classroom collection of opinion-writing mentor texts to help introduce the genre. Do you love insects? Two kids give competing reasons for why and why not. Read it aloud and head straight into shared writing of a list of pros and cons.

Buy it: I Love Insects on Amazon

3. Usha and the Big Digger by Amitha Jagannath Knight

To introduce kids to opinion writing, you need opinion-writing mentor texts to teach them what “opinions” are—and Usha, Aarti, and Gloria have them in this book! They each see something different when they look at the stars. This book could lead to a great introduction activity in which students try to convince each other that they see the Big Dipper, a “Big Digger,” a “Big Kite …” or something else. (Hint: It’s all in your perspective!)

Buy it: Usha and the Big Digger on Amazon

 4. Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty

When a park ranger puts up a “Don’t Feed the Bear” reminder, he has no idea about the persuasive sign-writing battle he’ll set in motion. (Strategic language includes “Please feed the ranger rotten eggs and slimy spinach.”) Share this hilarious title to introduce students to using signs to influence others’ thinking.

Buy it: Don’t Feed the Bear on Amazon

5. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

Let a favorite character guide young students in the art of persuasion. The bus driver does not want Pigeon in the driver’s seat, but the well-known bird builds an emotional and unrelenting case.

Buy it: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! on Amazon

6. Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali

We adore sharing this book with young students to open inclusive conversations about favorite holidays and traditions. Each student in Musa’s class shares about their favorite day of the year, from Eid Al-Fitr to Pi Day. Use this book to prompt kids to write their own opinion pieces about their favorite days, and to model how reasoning, information, and anecdotes can support one’s opinion.

Buy it: Our Favorite Day of the Year on Amazon

7. Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

This true story from Kamala Harris’ childhood details how she and her sister wrote letters to their landlord until he agreed to let them build a playground in their apartment complex courtyard. Get kids excited about how their opinion writing could create real change!

Buy it: Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea on Amazon

8. If I Were President by Trygve Skaug

A young boy talks at length about what he’d do differently if he ran the country. Maybe cars could run on legs instead of gasoline, and “playing” should be a subject taught in school. Share this with kids who need more ideas for opinion-writing topics!

Buy it: If I Were President on Amazon

9. The Little Book of Little Activists by Penguin Young Readers

Introduce young students to the idea of activism and its connection to opinion writing. This inspiring photo essay includes examples of kids’ opinions about real-life causes and many written signs.

Buy it: The Little Book of Activists on Amazon

10. The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan

This protagonist is a toddler on a mission—a mission to kick her dad out of her parents’ bed so she can sleep with her mom. Use this little girl’s precocious modeling to show students how to polish their own opinion writing by adding visual supports.

Buy it: The Big Bed on Amazon

11. The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini

Elizabeth crafts a plan to convince her parents to let her have a pet, with unexpected—but pleasing—results. This is our favorite opinion-writing mentor text for introducing kids to win-win solutions and encouraging them to suggest them in their own opinion writing.

Buy it: The Perfect Pet on Amazon

12. & 13. Can I Be Your Dog? and I Found a Kitty! by Troy Cummings

First, read a collection of persuasive letters from a lonely dog seeking an owner that’s a twist on kids’ pet requests. Each letter is tailored to a specific audience, with Arfy promising to lick things clean, protect, and deliver endless affection.

In the sequel, Arfy uses his persuasive skills to help someone else, a lovable stray kitten. Notice with students how he once again shapes his reasoning for each recipient—and how he doesn’t give up until he’s successful!

Buy it: Can I Be Your Dog? on Amazon

Buy it: I Found a Kitty! on Amazon

14. True You: A Gender Journey by Gwen Agna and Shelley Rotner

This delightful and important title stars real kids with a full range of gender identities. Each child introduces themselves in a speech bubble that shares their opinion about gender identity. Use this title to model talking to the reader using strong, direct language.

Buy it: True You: A Gender Journey on Amazon

15. Stella Writes an Opinion by Janiel Wagstaff

Sometimes you want perfectly straightforward opinion-writing mentor texts that match right up with your teaching goals. Stella thinks second graders should be able to have a morning snack time. She sets out to write about her opinion, state her reasons, and ends with a compelling summation.

Buy it: Stella Writes an Opinion on Amazon

16. I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman Orloff

After his successful angling for a pet in I Wanna Iguana , Alex tries using note-writing to broach his next request: a room of his own, away from his pesky younger brother. The parent-child communication includes plenty of examples of making and responding to counterarguments.

Buy it: I Wanna New Room on Amazon

17. Be Glad Your Dad … Is Not an Octopus! by Matthew Logelin and Sara Jensen

This author’s opinion is that you should appreciate your dad for who he is. He makes his case with plenty of arguments grounded in facts—facts that show that if your dad were an animal, he could be even more gross, embarrassing, or annoying!

Buy it: Be Glad Your Dad … Is Not an Octopus! on Amazon

18. Earrings! by Judith Viorst

A young girl desperately wants her ears pierced, but her parents respond to her begging with a firm no. Ask students to evaluate the merits of her various arguments. Which are strong? Which are just whiny?

Buy it: Earrings! on Amazon

19. Pick a Picture, Write an Opinion! by Kristen McCurry

If you’re looking for opinion-writing mentor texts that lay it all out there explicitly, you’ll appreciate this resource. Engaging, diverse photos and topics, a kid-friendly tone, and explicit advice make this a helpful primer to accompany more conventional mentor texts.

Buy it: Pick a Picture, Write an Opinion! on Amazon

20. I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) by Davide Cali

This narrator has plenty of reasons to dislike his self-centered cats, which he outlines in specific detail. Use this title as an example of a multi-pronged argument. (Plus, show that sometimes, opinion writing actually leads us to change our own minds. By the end, the owner realizes he actually loves his pets, quirks and all.)

Buy it: I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) on Amazon

21. I Can Be Anything! Don’t Tell Me I Can’t by Diane Dillon

Zoe makes big plans for her future, from being an archaeologist to a veterinarian. She quiets self-doubt with confident arguments. Aside from sharing this title’s lovely, affirming message, use it to teach kids to anticipate tough questions and head them off convincingly in their opinion writing.

Buy it: I Can Be Anything! Don’t Tell Me I Can’t on Amazon

22. Rise Up and Write It by Nandini Ahuja

Farah Patel works to convince her local government to improve a vacant lot to benefit her community. Great realistic examples of using letters and signs to inspire change!

Buy it: Rise Up and Write It on Amazon

23. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

These disgruntled but endearing crayons have opinions, and they aren’t shy about making them known in this read-aloud favorite. Check out this free downloadable educator guide from the publisher for persuasive letter-writing curriculum connections.

Buy it: The Day the Crayons Quit on Amazon

24. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating

The best opinion writing springs from genuine conviction. Eugenie Clark believed sharks were fascinating and  that women could be accomplished scientists who study them. Use this title to help students generate their own passion-fueled topics about which to write.

Buy it: Shark Lady on Amazon

25. What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers

Share this title for its inspiring message about the power of one citizen to evoke positive change through spoken words, writing, and action. Also consider it as an example of how words and art interact in opinion writing; the illustrations and text work together here to advance the book’s message.

Buy it: What Can a Citizen Do? on Amazon?

26. Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest by Sarah Hampson

Dr. Archibald Coo believes that pigeons don’t deserve their reputation as avian pests. He outlines a plan to change the minds of his city neighbors. Part of his approach is to send a persuasive letter to the mayor, suggesting creative, mutually beneficial agreements—a great example for student writers aiming to change the minds of authority figures.

Buy it: Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest on Amazon

27. The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

The animals in this classic read-aloud give a range of reasons their home shouldn’t be chopped down. Use them as examples of how to vary sentence structures and formats when listing arguments and how to use specific details to strengthen reasoning.

Buy it: The Great Kapok Tree on Amazon

28. Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson

This fictional account of the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, told from the point of view of a young participant, is a classroom must-read. It exemplifies how children’s actions can make a difference in an adult world and how powerful language strengthens a written message.

Buy it: Let the Children March on Amazon

29. No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley

This powerful title introduces inspiring and diverse young activists’ causes using original poems by notable authors. Show kids that impactful opinion writing can take many forms.

Buy it: No Voice Too Small on Amazon

30. The Week Junior magazine “Big Debate” feature

The Week Junior is one of our absolute favorite magazines for the classroom , and its “Big Debate” section is a main reason for that. Each issue examines both sides of an interesting topic, from whether we should eat Maine lobster, to if space exploration is worth the huge cost, to whether or not kids’ screen time should be restricted. Have kids study examples to get tips for their own opinion writing, and maybe even create their own “Big Debate.”

Buy it: The Week Junior

31. Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean by Patricia Newman

This is a fantastic resource for upper elementary and middle school classrooms moving from opinion writing to research-based persuasive writing. This mind-boggling look at the impact of trash on our oceans gives kids so many models for sharing one’s opinions, experiences, and knowledge to spark change. Embedded QR codes take readers straight to awesome examples of persuasive speeches and other cool resources that support the author’s message.

Buy it: Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean on Amazon

32. We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell

A classroom prepares to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with research projects that convey a clear message: Native Nations are still here! Besides being critical content for kids, this is a great example of how to use researched facts to support one’s opinion.

Buy it: We Are Still Here! on Amazon

33. Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You! by Marley Dias

Every middle school student should meet Marley Dias through this powerful account of her #1000blackgirlbooks campaign. It boasts plenty of practical advice for young activists. Pull text excerpts for mini-lessons about tailoring opinion writing to your audience. Marley writes straight to her peers.

Buy it: Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You! on Amazon

Excited to share these opinion-writing mentor texts? Also check out our favorite mentor texts for procedural and narrative writing.

Want more book lists and classroom ideas be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters, you might also like.

32 Best Mentor Texts for Narrative Writing in Elementary School

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First Grade Opinion Writing Prompts and Worksheets

• Easel Activity

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Description

These opinion writing prompts are a must-have for teaching persuasive writing. These opinion writing worksheets are no prep and perfect for 1st grade writing lessons, writing lessons, or early finishers 1st grade.

This is a year's worth of worksheets that includes student friendly and seasonal topics (so that students can have fun writing opinion pieces throughout the school year, e.g. Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter)!

*NOTE - This activity has the Easel digital overlay tool option. Text boxes have been added!

These opinion writing worksheets are common core aligned to the grade 1 writing standard:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1

Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

Note: These worksheets can still be used for second graders who are working below their grade level.

Want to try a free sample worksheet before purchasing?

Opinion Writing Worksheet (Freebie)

What is included in this opinion writing paper resource:

30 pages of writing prompts/worksheets (25 ready to go and 5 blank templates).

The writing prompts with sentence starters are in 5 different template styles. Some are more scaffolded/picture based, whereas others have more lines, for more advanced writers.

Opinion writing sentence starters -

• The Best Animal
• The Best Insect
• The Best Christmas Treat
• The Best Season
• The Best Sport
• The Best _______ (Blank Template)

Do you prefer writing prompts -

• Do You Prefer Butterflies or Ladybugs?
• Do You Prefer Rain or Snow?
• Do You Prefer Summer or Winter?
• Do You Prefer Birthdays or Halloween?
• Do You Prefer Easter or Christmas?
• Do You Prefer_______? (Blank Template)

Would you rather opinion writing prompts -

• Would You Rather...be the teacher or the student?
• Would You Rather...be strong or be able to fly?
• Would You Rather...be a mermaid or a leprechaun?
• Would You Rather...play basketball or soccer?
• Would You Rather...be a dinosaur or a lion?
• Would You Rather_______? (Blank Template)
• My Favorite Candy
• My Favorite Dessert
• My Favorite Junk Food
• My Favorite Fruit
• My Favorite Drink
• My Favorite_______(Blank Template)

Which is better writing prompts -

• Which Is Better...cats or dogs?
• Which Is Better...reading or playing sport?
• Which Is Better...sand or snow?
• Which Is Better...spring or autumn?
• Which Is Better...doughnuts or sundaes?
• Which Is Better_______? (Blank Template)

When/how to use this:

• Whole group writing lessons
• Small group work (literacy and writing centers)
• Writer's Workshop
• Independent writing practice
• Early finishers
• Morning work

Enjoy this resource! Don't forget to follow my store for more awesome products and rate this product for your TPT credits :)

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Opinion Writing Crafts

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First Grade Narrative Writing Prompts

First Grade Procedure Writing Prompts

First Grade Informational Writing Prompts

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First Grade Writing Worksheets/Prompts Bundle

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