Lesson Plan
My Opinion, My Proof
Students will be able to identify an opinion and provide at least two reasons/pieces of evidence to support it, understanding the foundational elements of an argumentative extended constructed response.
Learning to support opinions with evidence is a fundamental skill for critical thinking and effective communication, essential for academic success and everyday life.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Through direct instruction, guided practice, and independent application.
Materials
My Opinion, My Proof Slide Deck, My Opinion, My Proof Reading, My Opinion, My Proof Worksheet, My Opinion, My Proof Quiz, My Opinion, My Proof Answer Key, and My Opinion, My Proof Rubric
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the My Opinion, My Proof Slide Deck and practice the script.
- Print copies of the My Opinion, My Proof Reading, My Opinion, My Proof Worksheet, My Opinion, My Proof Quiz, and My Opinion, My Proof Rubric.
- Ensure access to a projector or interactive whiteboard for the slide deck.
- Review the My Opinion, My Proof Answer Key.
Step 1
Introduction: What's Your Favorite?
3 minutes
- Use the My Opinion, My Proof Slide Deck to introduce the concept of opinions.
- Ask students for their favorite things (e.g., color, animal, food) and why. Explain that
Step 2
Direct Instruction: Opinion + Proof
7 minutes
- Present slides explaining that an argument starts with an opinion and needs evidence to back it up.
- Discuss examples: "Pizza is the best food because it has cheese and sauce." or "Dogs are better pets than cats because they can play fetch."
- Introduce the idea of an 'argumentative ECR' as writing down your opinion and proof.
- Share the My Opinion, My Proof Reading with students, reading it aloud or having them read silently. Focus on identifying the main opinion and supporting details.
Step 3
Guided Practice: Let's Argue!
5 minutes
- Distribute the My Opinion, My Proof Worksheet.
- As a class, choose a simple topic (e.g.,
Step 4
Independent Practice & Assessment
5 minutes
- Hand out the My Opinion, My Proof Quiz.
- Have students complete the quiz individually to assess their understanding of identifying opinions and supporting reasons.
- Collect quizzes for assessment using the My Opinion, My Proof Answer Key.
- Explain that their work will be evaluated using the My Opinion, My Proof Rubric.
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Slide Deck
My Opinion, My Proof!
What's your favorite animal? Why?
Greet students and start with a fun, engaging question to activate prior knowledge about preferences.
What's an Opinion?
An opinion is what YOU think or feel about something.
It's YOUR idea!
Examples:
- Ice cream is the best dessert.
- Blue is the prettiest color.
Explain that an opinion is what you think or feel about something. It's not always a fact!
Opinions Need PROOF!
Just saying something is true isn't enough.
You need to explain WHY you think that!
This 'WHY' is your PROOF or EVIDENCE.
Example:
"Ice cream is the best dessert BECAUSE it is cold and sweet."
Introduce the idea that strong opinions need reasons, or 'proof'. Use simple, relatable examples.
What's an Argumentative ECR?
ECR stands for Extended Constructed Response.
It means you write a longer answer.
An argumentative ECR is when you write down your opinion and all your proof to convince someone!
Think of it like being a detective for your own ideas!
Explain what an argumentative ECR is in simple terms. Connect it to the idea of writing down opinions and proof.
Let's Look at an Example!
Read the story about the best pet. What is the author's opinion? What is their proof?
Provide a clear example to model for students. This links to the reading material.
Your Turn to Argue!
Now you get to share your opinions and proof!
Think about things you like or dislike. Why do you feel that way?
Encourage students to think about how they form opinions and find reasons for them.
Reading
The Best Pet
I think dogs are the best pets you can have. They are super fun and always happy to see you!
First, dogs are great because they love to play. You can throw a ball, and they will run and bring it back. They can play fetch, go for walks, and even run around in the yard with you. This makes them really exciting to have around.
Second, dogs are also the best because they can protect you. If a stranger comes to the door, your dog might bark to let you know. They are brave and will try to keep their family safe. It feels good to have a loyal friend like that.
Finally, dogs are very friendly. They love to cuddle and be close to their owners. When you're sad, they often know and will try to make you feel better. Their wagging tails and happy barks can really brighten your day.
So, because they are playful, protective, and friendly, dogs are definitely the best pets!
Worksheet
My Opinion, My Proof!
Name: _____________________________
Directions: Read each statement. Circle the opinion. Then, write down two reasons (proof!) to support that opinion. If there is no opinion, write your own and support it!
- Statement: Summer is the best season because you can swim and play outside.
Opinion: _____________________________
Proof 1: _____________________________
Proof 2: _____________________________
- Statement: Reading books is boring.
Opinion: _____________________________
Proof 1: _____________________________
Proof 2: _____________________________
- Statement: We should have extra recess every day.
Opinion: _____________________________
Proof 1: _____________________________
Proof 2: _____________________________
- Statement: Animals that live in the ocean are fascinating.
Opinion: _____________________________
Proof 1: _____________________________
Proof 2: _____________________________
- Your Own Opinion! What is something you believe strongly about? Write your opinion and two reasons why.
My Opinion: _____________________________
Proof 1: _____________________________
Proof 2: _____________________________
Quiz
My Opinion, My Proof Quiz
Answer Key
My Opinion, My Proof Answer Key
For My Opinion, My Proof Worksheet
Directions: Read each statement. Circle the opinion. Then, write down two reasons (proof!) to support that opinion. If there is no opinion, write your own and support it!
- Statement: Summer is the best season because you can swim and play outside.
Opinion: Summer is the best season.
Proof 1: You can swim.
Proof 2: You can play outside.
- Statement: Reading books is boring.
Opinion: Reading books is boring. (Students may also provide an opposing opinion and proof)
Proof 1: Answers will vary. Example: There are no pictures.
Proof 2: Answers will vary. Example: Stories are too long.
- Statement: We should have extra recess every day.
Opinion: We should have extra recess every day.
Proof 1: Answers will vary. Example: Kids need more time to play.
Proof 2: Answers will vary. Example: It helps us focus better after playing.
- Statement: Animals that live in the ocean are fascinating.
Opinion: Animals that live in the ocean are fascinating.
Proof 1: Answers will vary. Example: They are colorful.
Proof 2: Answers will vary. Example: They can do amazing things like glow in the dark.
- Your Own Opinion! What is something you believe strongly about? Write your opinion and two reasons why.
My Opinion: Answers will vary. Students should state a clear opinion.
Proof 1: Answers will vary. Should support their stated opinion.
Proof 2: Answers will vary. Should support their stated opinion.
For My Opinion, My Proof Quiz
-
Which of these is an opinion?
Correct Answer: Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.
Thought Process: An opinion is a personal belief, not a verifiable fact. The other options are facts. -
Read the sentence: "Apples are healthier than candy because they have vitamins." What is the proof in this sentence?
Correct Answer: They have vitamins.
Thought Process: The proof is the reason given to support the opinion (apples are healthier). -
Write your opinion about why playing outside is good for kids. Give one reason (proof).
Correct Answer: Answers will vary but should include an opinion and one supporting reason, e.g., "Playing outside is good because it helps kids get exercise."
Thought Process: Students need to demonstrate understanding of forming an opinion and backing it with a reason. -
Which sentence does not state an opinion?
Correct Answer: The sky is blue.
Thought Process: