First Grade Opinion Writing Lesson Plan (2024)

Free Opinion Writing Lesson Plan 1st Grade — In this blog post, you’ll find opinion a writing lesson plan, opinion writing prompts, and some useful tips and suggestions on using these resources. Enjoy!

Oh yeah!

Opinion writing is an vital writing skill for all young students to develop. And, as your first graders learn how to share their opinions on the page, they’ll begin to develop an understanding of how to form strong points.

Plus… Your writers will also learn how to structure a cohesive argument with a main idea and supporting information, and how to own their personal thoughts and ideas.

Why Use This Opinion Writing Lesson Plan and Prompts

With kids developing more self-confidence in their opinions and a greater set of skills that they may use to explain why they hold certain beliefs, young students will be better equipped to face more advanced writing assignments and conversations with their peers and the adults in their lives.

In this lesson, students will learn how to differentiate between facts and opinions and how to recognize that others may not have the same beliefs that they do.

And…

As they practice stating their thoughts as opinions and giving reasons for their personal beliefs through both speech and writing, students will learn how to express their ideas in a constructive fashion and how to identify when others are stating facts versus offering opinions.

Ok, check out this opinion writing lesson plan for first graders.

Opinion Writing Lesson Plan 1st Grade for You to Use

Title:Writingan opinion piece
Subject: Writing
Grade Level: 1^st grade (age 6-7)
Time Duration: 30 min.
Materials: Chart paper, markers, paper, pencils

Objective:Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.1)

Anticipatory Set:

How many of you have heard of the word “opinion”? Can you tell us where or how you heard it? What do you think it means?

Chart student answers on chart paper as they answer.

Direct Instruction:

“Opinion” means to tell others what you think about something.

For example, “It is my opinion that chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.” But not everyone will have the same opinion.

(Ask students…. “Student: What is your opinion about chocolate ice cream?” Tell them they can answer: “I think that chocolate ice cream is _________”.)

Now, when I tell my opinion, I need to give reasons why I think the way I do.

“I think chocolate ice cream is the best flavor because it is sweet and tastes great on a hot day.”

I gave two reasons here. Can you tell what they are?

(Now, practice with another student who volunteers to come to the front of the class.)

When we speak or write, we should use this format: (have this posted for students to look at).

In my opinion, I think that _______________________. One reason for this is __________________________. Another reason is _________________________. This is why I think ____________________________________.

Guided Practice:

In pairs, students will tell their partner their opinion about the best TV show and tell two reasons why. The teacher will walk around and correct/help as needed.

After about 5-7 minutes, ask for students to share out what their partner said. Be sure students speak in complete sentences and use the format given.

Independent Practice:

Students will write a short paragraph using the above format explaining what is the best movie they have seen.

Closure:

What is an opinion?

Assessment:

Students are able to write a short paragraph using the format outlined in this lesson. Suggested Topic: Best video game to play with friends.

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16 Opinion Writing Prompts for First Grade Students

1. Should kids have more or less recess? Why?
2. Should kids have more or less homework? Why?
3. Should kids have more or less technology time? Why?
4. Should kids have more or less chores? Why?
5. Should kids go to school in the summer? Why?
6. In your opinion, what rewards should be added to the list of class rewards?
7. In your opinion, at what age should students have a cell phone?
8. Why is daily exercise important?
9. Should students be required to wear school uniforms every day?
10. What nonfiction book should all 1st grade students be encouraged to read and why?
11. Between Halloween and Christmas, which holiday is best? Explain your answer.
12. Pretend that your grade level won a prize for outstanding behavior. What privilege would you like for first graders to receive for displaying good conduct?
13. In your opinion, should students have the right to choose their teachers? Why or why not?
14. Should first graders be allowed to watch violent movies or TV shows? Why or why not?
15. What’s the most important school supply in your desk? Why?
16. Do you prefer virtual or in-person learning? Which do you think is best for your learning style?

These are just a few examples, and there are many other great opinion writing prompts that you can use. The most important thing is to choose prompts that are relevant to the students’ interests and experiences. You can also ask the students to come up with their own opinion writing prompts.

When students are writing opinion essays, it is important to help them to identify their opinion, provide reasons for their opinion, and support their reasons with evidence. You can do this by providing them with graphic organizers, sentence starters, and other tools.

Opinion writing is a great way for students to learn to express their thoughts and feelings, and to develop their critical thinking skills. It is also a fun and creative way for them to write.

Now, let’s explore some…

Easy Opinion Writing Ideas — 17 Favorite Things

For those reluctant writers who may struggle with their own opinion writing, I suggest you use the time-tested favorite writing prompts. These are simple ideas that nearly every writer can answer. Plus, they are an excellent way to prep your writers and help them get their creative juices flowing.

1. What is your favorite recess activity? Why?
2. What is your favorite place to visit? Why?
3. What is your favorite candy or food? Why?
4. What is your favorite video game? Why?
5. What is your favorite animal? Why?
6. What is your favorite sport? Why?
7. What is your favorite TV show? Why?
8. What is your favorite movie? Why?
9. What is your favorite food? Why?
10. What is your favorite dessert? Why?
11. What is your favorite school subject? Why?Favorite character
12. Favorite book
13. Favorite toy
14. Favorite season
15. Favorite holiday
16. Favorite pet or perfect pet
17. Favorite or best places to:
    • Play
    • Write
    • Think
    • Read
    • Sing
    • Eat
    • Talk

Turn this list on its head and write about your least favorite instead. Oh, and these ideas are great for kindergarten writers and up.

Using a Free Opinion Writing Lesson Plan First Grade

A free opinion writing lesson plan in first grade can be a helpful tool for teaching students the basics of opinion writing. Let’s take a closer look at why.

You see…

These plans are often easy to follow and aligned with the Common Core Standards, making them a valuable resource for teachers. Additionally, free lesson plans can be adapted to fit the needs of specific students and classes, making them a versatile tool for teaching opinion writing.

To use a free opinion writing lesson plan first grade in your classroom, you will need to:

1. Choose a lesson plan that is appropriate for your students’ level of understanding.
2. Read through the lesson plan carefully to understand the goals and activities.
3. Gather the necessary materials, such as paper, pencils, and crayons.
4. Follow the steps in the lesson plan to teach your students about opinion writing.
5. Provide opportunities for students to practice writing their own opinions.
6. Give feedback on students’ writing to help them improve their skills.

Using a free opinion writing lesson plan can be a great way to help your first graders learn the basics of opinion writing. By following the steps outlined in the lesson plan, you can provide your students with the tools they need to become successful writers.

Here are some additional tips for using a free opinion writing lesson plan first grade:

• Start by brainstorming a list of topics that your students are interested in. This will help them to stay engaged in the lesson.
• Use visuals to help students understand the different parts of an opinion essay. This could include pictures, charts, or diagrams.
• Provide opportunities for students to practice writing their own opinions in a variety of ways, such as through journaling, role-playing, or debate.
• Be sure to give students positive feedback on their writing, even if it is not perfect. This will help them to feel confident in their abilities.

With a little planning, effort and some step-by-step instructions, you can use a free opinion writing lesson plan to help your first-grade students become successful writers.

Ok, I wish you great luck using this Opinion writing lesson plan 1st grade with your elementary students.

Now, check out…

More Resources for First Grade

• Writing Worksheets for Grade 1
• 35 First Grade Journal Writing Prompts
• 30 Examples of Topic Sentence Ideas (by grade level)

Until next time, write on…

If you enjoyed the free First Grade Opinion Writing Lesson Plan, in this blog post please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest.
I appreciate it!

Sincerely,
Jill
journalbuddies.com
creator and curator

PS – check out this great free printable resource -> Opinion writing graphic organizer first grade