Opinion Writing in Kindergarten: Are Rules Important? Lesson sequence by Angel Peavler, KWP RSPDI Team A mini-unit adapted from NWP i3 College Ready Writers Program materials

2 WritingReading Argument MINI-UNIT Emphasis # of Lessons ARGUMENT SKILLS PRODUCT ELEMENTS OF ARGUMENT CLOSE READING STRATEGIES RESPONSE TO READINGS TOPICS Draft, Feedback, Revise, Reflect Close reading strategies Writing & talking to develop knowledge on topic or issue Forming an opinion 4 Lessons Entering Skills: Partner sharing Foundational Skills: Stating an opinion Product: One- Page guided response with icons (First I Thought, Then I Learned, Now I Think) Researching to make an informed opinion Studying images to form an opinion Watching videos to form an opinion Listening to read-aloud to form an opinion Scaffolded writing: First I Thought, Then I Learned, Now I Think) ARE RULES IMPORTANT? 6 shared readings (3 related images, 2 videos, trade book) Mini-Unit Overview

Writing Standards Emphasized in the Mini-Unit Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces in which they ….state an opinion …about the topic.

Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4 Introduce research question (inquiry) First I Thought: Circle an icon in response to research question. Study first image (whole class); discuss Study images 2 & 3; Partner share Then I Learned: Draw or write in response to research question. Study fourth image (whole class); discuss Then I Learned: Continue drawing or writing in response to research question. Watch and discuss video Write or draw in response (a rule you have at home) Listen to tradebook. Add to “Then I Learned” entry. Write or draw what can happen when there are no rules. Partner sharing Mini-Unit Sequence

What do you think?

Look at this picture. What do you see? Then, I learned…

Are rules important? What do you and your partner think happened? Then, I learned…

ARE RULES IMPORTANT? Despicable Me Ground Rules Why do you think rules are made? Then, I learned… Why do you think Gru made ground rules?

ARE RULES IMPORTANT? The Wiggles Rules Video Then, I learned…

What do you think? Now, I think … Share with a partner or with the class

NEXT STEPS!  What would change for us if we helped make our classroom rules?  What would be different if we called them CLASSROOM PROMISES?  What would we like to PROMISE to ourselves and our classmates?

Are rules important? handout Are Rules Important? Booklet Links to Materials and Resources