Lesson : Oreo (opinion, reason, explanation, opinion restated)
Materials: chart paper with a black oval construction paper top and bottom, a list of topics that students have brainstormed that they have an opinion ( for example, on Earth Day students write a list of topics that they think would make a difference to the Earth)
Connection: We have been writing letters to help convince people of our opinions. Earlier we made a list of things that we think would make a difference to our world. Today we are going to have a chance to take our opinion and try to convince other people that they can do some things that will make a difference to our Earth.
Teach: Show the students the Oreo shaped chart. Choose a topic to demonstrate such as “Everybody should use reusable bags when they go to the grocery story.”
Reason
Explanation
Then “write in the air” telling the students what you would write for each part of the cookie. First I am going to state my opinion: I believe that everyone should use recyclable bags. Next I am going to give my reason and explain it: If everyone used recyclable bags then plastic bags wouldn’t litter the ground. Since this is a double stuff cookie, I might even give another reason and explanation: When bags end up in the ocean, they can hurt the sea creatures. Finally to close I need to restate my opinion: If everyone would use recyclable bags, it would take care of our Earth.
Active Involvement: Now I want each of you to look at the chart and choose one of the topics that you would like to convince someone to change. Give the students a minute to look over the chart, reading it once again aloud. Now I want you to turn to your floor partner and share with them which topic you have chosen and one reason that you are going to use to make your argument. Listen as the children exchange ideas with their partners.
Link: Writers, when you go back to your seat today, you have important work to do. I want you to use this planning sheet to think about how you could convince someone to help save our Earth. Hold up a planning sheet and state again what goes in each part of the planning paper pointing to that part of the paper as you talk. (You can give each child an Oreo cookie to help remind them of each part.)
Share: Invite a couple of children who have completed their planning sheet to share with the class. Remember writers that tomorrow we will be doing the important work of thinking about an audience for our letters. We will be thinking about just who we should convince to change their ways.
Name ______Date ______
Topic ______
Reason
Explanation