Exploring Opinion Pieces Unit Plan – Grade 1 and Grade 2
8 x Lessons
This English unit has been designed to introduce the persuasive genre to younger students; specifically, the purpose, structure and language features of opinion pieces.
It consists of 8 lessons of approximately 60 minutes duration.
The sequence of lessons and suggested time frames should be regarded as a guide only; teachers should pace lessons in accordance with the individual learning needs of their class.
An independent writing task, which may couple as an assessment task, is included in the unit. The number of lessons required to complete this task may vary from class to class.
Overview
Objectives
- To investigate point of view in relation to a situation or topic.
- To investigate reasons for and against a situation or topic.
- To identify and explore the basic organizational structure of opinion pieces.
- To identify and explore the language features of opinion pieces.
- To explore how word choice can be used to strengthen an opinion.
- To jointly construct a simple opinion piece on a familiar topic.
- To construct a simple opinion piece on a familiar situation in pairs.
- To independently construct a simple opinion piece about a familiar situation.
Preparing for Learning
Opinion writing provides excellent opportunities for cross-curricular integration. Look for ways to meaningfully integrate persuasive writing with other learning areas.
Prior to commencing the unit, develop an opinion writing wall in the classroom. Display texts, vocabulary and posters that will stimulate the students’ interest and assist in their learning throughout the unit. For examples of teaching resources to display in your classroom, browse the Opinion Writing category on the Teach Starter website.
Expose the students to a variety of opinion pieces before and during the unit. Read and view opinion pieces such as letters to the editor, advertisements and conversations. Provide the students with opportunities to read and respond to short opinion pieces. For examples of opinion piece comprehension teaching resources, browse the Comprehension Texts category on the Teach Starter website.
Some of the resources which accompany this unit plan will need to be prepared prior to teaching. For this reason, it is advised that teachers browse through all lessons before commencing the unit.
Lessons
Resources
Common Core State Standards alignment
Grade 2 > English Language Arts Standards > Reading: Literature > Integration of Knowledge and Ideas > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.9
Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella stories) by different authors or from different cultures.
Grade 1 > English Language Arts Standards > Reading: Informational Text > Integration of Knowledge and Ideas > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.8
Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
Grade 2 > English Language Arts Standards > Reading: Informational Text > Integration of Knowledge and Ideas > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.8
Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.
Grade 1 > English Language Arts Standards > Writing > Text Types and Purposes > 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.
Grade 1 > English Language Arts Standards > Writing > Production and Distribution of Writing > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.5
With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed.
Grade 2 > English Language Arts Standards > Writing > Text Types and Purposes > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.1
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.
Grade 2 > English Language Arts Standards > Writing > Production and Distribution of Writing > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.5
With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
Grade 1 > English Language Arts Standards > Speaking & Listening > Comprehension and Collaboration > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Grade 2 > English Language Arts Standards > Speaking & Listening > Comprehension and Collaboration > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Grade 1 > English Language Arts Standards > Language > Conventions of Standard English > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Grade 2 > English Language Arts Standards > Language > Conventions of Standard English > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
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Design update of PowerPoint templates. Minor changes made to Lessons 1 through 5.
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