2nd graders have opinions! And lots of them! This is perfect as we move into our newest writing unit: opinion writing!
The Process:
We started our unit by first identifying the difference between a fact and an opinion. Students sorted different statements they read into two categories: facts and opinions. We also use this language through the day as different facts and opinions come up in order to help students solidify this understanding.
Next students were introduced to the idea of writing an opinion paragraph. We then read a few example second grade level opinion pieces and students noticed some similarities between them. Some of their comments included that they all stated an opinion about something, and they all used the word “because.”
We then discussed the general structure of opinion writing. They have an introduction that hooks the reader and states the opinion. After this, you will find the reasons and examples that support the opinion, complete with transition words. Finally, the conclusion, where the opinion is restated and wrapped up.
Students generated a list of topics they felt they could write their opinion about. These ranged from favorite dessert or movie, to whether they should wear uniforms and reasons their parents should get them a pet!
In opinion writing there are some words or phrases that are used frequently to make a stronger point. Students learned about some of these common sentence starters and transitions.
Here are a few of the sentence starters:
I think…
I believe….
In my opinion….
____ is better than ___
In my opinion…
Some transitions:
For example…
Another reason …
In particular…
Next Steps:
For the next phase of the writing unit, we will study each of the different parts of the structure in more detail all while giving the students opportunities to write more opinion pieces about topics of their choosing. We will also have conversations about which reasons are more convincing than others and how to support them.
Further down the road…
In second grade students are expected to write an opinion paragraph that states their opinion, clearly provides reasons and examples to support it and then wraps it up by restating the opinion. In third grade and beyond, students will be expected to write an opinion essay: an introductory paragraph followed by three supporting paragraphs, one for each reason, and a concluding paragraph.
How can you help out at home?
If you hear some strong opinions and convincing (or not) arguments supporting them, point these out to your second grader. This might sound like, “Wow! It sounds like you really would like to stay up 15 minutes later tonight. Give me a strong reason and example to support your opinion, and you may get 15 more minutes tonight.” Or maybe at dinner you hear, “I love ice cream!” Gently press your second grader to tell you why, more than just, “it’s yummy.”
Warning: Don’t be surprised if they ask you to support your opinions with strong reasons, too!