Overview: Students will write the body of their rough draft following their OREO prewriting page and transition words and phrases.W.3.1: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons. I can write opinion pieces and support my opinion with reasons.W.3.1b: Provide reasons that support the opinion. I can provide reasons that support the opinion.W.3.1c: Use linking words and phrases (eg. because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reason. I can use linking words and phrases to connect opinions and reasons.

This is the outline for a third grade writing unit on writing opinion (persuasive) papers. The lessons and materials are linked to the outline, but they also uploaded in a PDF format as sperate lessons in WISELearn. 

CESA #1 EL OER Project

Many ELLs have trouble formulating questions in English. This activity introduces story elements with a focus on asking questions to organize before writing a fiction piece.

The Persuasion Map is an interactive graphic organizer that enables students to map out their arguments for a persuasive (opinion/argument) essay or debate. Students begin by determining their goal. They then identify three reasons to support their argument, and three facts or examples to support each reason. The map graphic in the upper right-hand corner allows students to move around the map, instead of having to work in a linear fashion. The finished map can be saved, e-mailed, or printed. The students can then take this map and transform it into a written persuasive piece.

Third-grade students from Deans Mill School talk about how to write stories that entertain the reader.  This is a student podcast.