The idea of 'OREO writing' (using reasons and examples to support your opinion), using linking words and stating an opinion in a simple one paragraph essay in the lesson was introduced in a previous lesson, State Your Opinion - Which Dessert is Best?, where the kids wrote a one-paragraph essay.
Second graders need time to work through these writing steps of the writing process (brainstorm, organize, rough draft, edit, final draft). The district expectation for my students is to create a five- paragraph essay, aligning with the Common Core Standards of composing a variety of types of essays, including opinion essays that state an opinion with supporting examples and details. (W.2.1).
This lesson is the first of 3 lessons that guides the kids toward creating a five-paragraph essay stating an opinion. In the next lesson, Inside or Out-Draft the Opinion Essay (Lesson 2 of 3), the students will create a draft of their opinion essay. In the final lesson, Inside or Out-Edit and Finalize Your Opinion Essay (Lesson 3 of 3), they will edit and then write a final opinion essay.
To give you more background about how to help students write a five paragraph essay, I encourage you to look at some narrative writing lessons that I taught previously in my course: Organize Your Ideas In A Timely Way (Lesson 1 of 3), Draft and Edit a Star Narrative (Lesson 2 of 3), and Finalize and Show What You Know (Lesson 3 of 3). I taught that unit to teach students about writing narrative essays. I used the same ideas of 'main idea' with 'supporting details', writing 2 drafts and editing that the Common Core Standards emphasize to provide evidence for statements that the students make in writing and create strong writing pieces.
Underlined words below are lesson vocabulary words that are emphasized and written on sentence strips for my Reading & Writing word wall. I pull off the words off the wall for each lesson, helping students understand this key 'reading and writing' vocabulary can be generalized across texts and topics. The focus on acquiring and using these words is part of a shift in the Common Core Standards towards building students’ academic vocabulary. My words are color coded ‘pink’ for literature/’blue’ for reading strategies/’orange’ for informational text/'yellow' for writing/’green’ for all other words)
Common starting point
When you write an opinion paper, make sure the kids are very familiar with the topic and they have clear opinions about the idea. I chose the topic of indoor/outdoor recess because my kids have strong opinions about this. They really differ on their preferences - some really prefer to stay in when the weather is bad and others want to go outside, regardless of the temperature.
Give the purpose of the lesson
Give clear expectations
Assign the groups and monitor (I played the 'recess sounds' on soundhound from the computer to help them think)
Students write their organizer
Add transition words
Scaffolding and Special Education: This lesson could be scaffolded down, depending on student ability.
Writing is usually difficult for students with limited academic abilities. I would suggest pulling them into a group and working with them separately as other students write. Perhaps you could create a 'group paper' or support them by writing words/ideas on the whiteboard.