Using mentor texts to teach opinion writing is the best! See below for my favorites!
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We begin writing opinion pieces in class next week, and I’m pumped! This is by far my favorite writing unit of the year.
I teach grades 4-6, so this is the point of the year where I really have to change gears between grades 4-5 and 6. In grades 4-5, we teach opinion writing. In this genre of writing, students choose one opinion, and write about that opinion using facts, definitions, and details to support it. In sixth grade, students start writing argumentative essays. In argumentative writing, students support their claim and address opposing claims as well.
Without further ado, here are my 10 favorite books to use while teaching about forming opinions during this writing unit:
Sophie Hartley On Strike
9. The Great Kapok Tree
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Want to read another post about writing opinion pieces? Check out this one!
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Sara says
Thanks for posting this. I am always looking for picture books that will illustrate something I’m teaching. I’ll look no further for opinion writing. Thanks.
Rachel says
Do you have a sample lesson for any of the books mentioned above?! Thanks!!
April Smith says
Hi Rachel! Usually with these books I use an anchor chart. We look for elements of opinion writing and add those to the anchor chart. Then we begin practicing opinion writing using short paragraph responses. The last step is that we get into multi-paragraph opinion writing using an anchor text. I do have resources available for it in my store. :)<br /><br />http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/
Anita Ferreri says
What a great list! I linked your post for my grad students THanks<br />http://drferreri.blogspot.com/2015/01/performingineducation-mentor-texts-for.html
April Smith says
Thank you Anita! What a big compliment!