Opinion Writing in Grades 4-5

Adapted by Harold Woodal l , EKUWP RSPDI Team

Should 4th Graders have a cell phone?

What do you think?

Think-Pair-Share

In your writer’s notebook: First I thought…

Should 4th 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 4th 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 4th 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 2005 -2009 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.http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/video/choosing-cell-phon...

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.http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/video/choosing-cell-phon...

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 4th Graders have a cell phone?

Let’s “dig deeper” Using the article: The Right Age For Cell Phones, we will highlight important parts.Source

#3

In your writer’s notebook: Then I learned…

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

Should 4th 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.

Source

#4

In your writer’s notebook: Things I learned…

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

Should 4th 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!

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