Opinion Writing in Grades 4-5 Adapted by Harold Woodall, EKUWP RSPDI Team

Should 4 th Graders have a cell phone? What do you think? Think-Pair-Share

In your writer’s notebook: First I thought…

Should 4 th Graders have a cell phone ? What did you and your partner think? We’ve never thought about it before. We don’t know if we should have a cell phone yet. We think we should have a cell phone because ___________________________. We don’t think we should have a cell phone because ___________________________.

Let’s capture some First Thoughts

Should 4 th Graders have a cell phone? Now let’s start our research. We’ll use several sources to gather information about kids and cell phones.

Should 4 th Graders have a cell phone? Study the graph. Turn and talk: What information can you gather from this graph? Source #1

In your writer’s notebook: Then I learned…

What did you talk about in partner talks? After observing the graph about kids and cell phones, I noticed that _______________________. More kids are getting cellphones. This makes me think__________. The graph shows an increase in kids with cellphones from that. I wonder if that number has continued to rise.. ___________________________________

Let’s capture things we learned about kids and cell phones.

Let’s RESEARCH to find out more! Watch this video clip about Kids and Cell Phones. Source #2

In your writer’s notebook: Make a It Says/ I Say Chart Fill in the “It Says” while watching the video clip again. Then, after watching the video, complete the “I Say” part of the chart.

In your writer’s notebook: Then I learned…

Let’s capture things we learned about kids and cell phones.

Should 4 th Graders have a cell phone? Let’s “dig deeper” Using the article: The Right Age For Cell Phones, we will highlight important parts. The Right Age For Cell Phones Source #3

In your writer’s notebook: Then I learned…

Let’s capture things we learned about kids and cell phones.

Should 4 th Graders have a cell phone? Now it’s YOUR turn. Read the Time for Kids article, Do Kids Need Their Own Cell Phones? Highlight important parts., Do Kids Need Their Own Cell Phones? Source #4

In your writer’s notebook: Things I learned…

Let’s capture things we learned about kids and cell phones.

Should 4 th Graders have a cell phone?  Re-read what you have written so far  Then, in your Writer’s Notebook: Now I’m Thinking…  It’s time to state your claim  Remember what we have learned about what makes a good claim.

Let’s make some Moves!Moves

Next Steps? Use a precursor to teach related skills (claim generation, Harris moves, etc.) Develop a kernel essay Use Drafting Organizer to develop a full essay