Opinion Writing

We have been learning about opinion writing from our district writing TOSA, Mrs. Andrews. Here is what we've learned.

1. What is an opinion? How is it different than a fact?

A fact is true. A fact can be proven through research and/or by using your own eyes to verify. 

An opinion is what a person thinks or believes. It cannot be proven. When stating an opinion, it is important to have reasons to support your opinion. 

2. How should you begin writing an opinion piece? 

Mrs. Andrew recommends making a list of all the reasons that  support an opinion. Here is a surprising opinion about Disneyland with a list of reasons.

3. What should you do with your list of reasons? 

Choose your top three reasons for your opinion writing piece. The most important reason should be your last reason. 

Then come up with support sentences for your reasons. Explain your reasons. Give examples.

4. Write a first draft of your opinion.  

The easiest part for many was coming up with reasons. The hardest part was supporting each reason. Many students ended up writing a paragraph made up of reasons.

:-(

To avoid confusion, Ms. Tulbure used color coded paper 

OPINION SENTENCE: on the green part

REASON SENTENCES: on  the yellow part

3 SUPPORT SENTENCES: on the red part

First opinion piece:

The Daily 5 is great.

 That was the unanimous opinion!

As a class, we listed all the reasons to love the Daily 5.

Photo by Ms. Tulbure

Next, students wrote their own opinion rough drafts using the color-coded paper. Once the color coded paper was approved by Ms. Tulbure, students went in and typed their opinion piece in Google Classroom. 

Students used this chart with useful words and phrases to give the opinion piece the final touches. 

What is your opinion about this opinion writing process? 

Which step is the easiest? 

                                              Which step is the hardest?

Global Play Day 2016!

Today, my class participated in Global School Play Day! 

Thank you to the Bedley Brothers and Twitter for introducing me to this project!  The power of a Personal Learning Network (PLN) triumphs again!

I was heavily influence to participate in #GSPD after listening to this eye opening presentation: 

The Decline of Play TED Talk from psychologist Peter Gray. 

☼     ☼     ☼     ☼     ☼

On Monday, I emailed parents, shared "The Decline of Play" video, and asked for games to be brought in for our #GSPD event. On Wednesday, we had a few curricular blocks, but we were able to have two solid play sessions. One session was with our 5th grade buddies!

The sessions were sensational!

☼     ☼     ☼     ☼     ☼

First, we talked about the rules. 

There would only be ☝, the Golden Rule.

We made centers for different types of games

Let's Play!

We played outside

We had some fun games of Twister

Some Mancala

Played cards

 We played some difficult balancing games like Jenga

We created using LEGO

And even had a puppet show!

What is your opinion of Global School Play Day?

Would you recommend it?

Convince me!