Subject: English-Language Arts
Grade Level: 2nd
Note: This lesson is written for 2nd grade but can be adapted for grades 1-5 by changing the requirements for the writing assignment. (For example, 5th graders could be expected to write a five-paragraph essay with an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.)
Objective:
Students will be able to write an opinion paragraph that includes an opening statement along with a reason and an example to support their opinion.
Anticipatory Set:
Ask the students to raise their hands if they agree with the following statements.
- Pizza is delicious.
- Valentine’s Day is the best holiday.
- Soccer is boring.
- Playing video games is fun.
- Broccoli is the most delicious food.
Instruction:
- Explain that each of those statements is an opinion. You may agree or disagree with them. There is no such thing as a right or wrong opinion – as long as you have evidence to support your opinion.
- Write OREO on the board (vertically).
- Teach the students that if you remember OREO, you will have everything you need when writing an opinion paragraph.
- O…Opinion R…Reason E…Example O…Opinion
- The first sentence of the paragraph needs to state your opinion. The second sentence gives a reason for your opinion. The third sentence gives an example to prove your point. The final sentence restates your opinion in a different way.
- Pass out one sports trading card to each student.
- Give students time to look at the statistics on the back of the card.
- Ask the students to think of a reason why their player is the best at their sport and an example to prove it.
Guided Practice:
- Have students “Turn & Talk” to a neighbor. Have the students share their opinion of their player and why they feel that way.
Independent Practice:
- Assign students the writing prompt: My player is the best……because….
- Students will write an opinion paragraph using OREO as their guide.
Closure:
- Author’s Chair: Call on a few students to go to the front of the room and share their writing with the class.