Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes (829 words)
Primary Audience: Classroom Teachers and Coaches
Wintertime means opinion writing in my school. While this can be a fun genre to study, it often feels like students lose momentum and interest quickly. I think this is partly because students don’t see the possibilities and importance of this genre. One way to unlock engagement for writers is to share mentor texts that widen the possibilities of opinion writing.
What is Opinion Writing?
Opinion writing can take the form of article, essay, letter, or speech. It’s characterized by persuasive language and a topic sentence supported with stories, facts, examples, and arguments. The purpose is not only to inform, but to convince the audience to support your viewpoint.
What Can Students Write About?
I believe one of the reasons opinion writing gets arduous for students is because teachers limit what students can write about. I challenge you to get creative and widen the scope of topics students can share their opinions about. When students realize that this genre is all about THEM and what THEY love, they will be clamoring to share their thoughts! Here are some topic ideas that may challenge what you previously thought opinion writing could be:
- Favorites: Have students debate their favorites by writing letters, speeches or books. Kids can share their favorite books, movies, tv shows, toys, video games, food, sports, singer, or athlete. I picture a certain second grader in my class trying to convince me to finally become a Swiftie!
- Thank You Letters: Thank you letters are impactful ways for students to share what they’re grateful for. Teach kids how to address an envelope and mail it for an authentic experience.
- Social Change: Students can argue about a passion topic through speeches, signs, petitions, and letter writing. Explore authentic audiences like the local newspaper or government
- Personal Change: Students may have a more specific focus for a change they want to see. Encourage them to persuade parents, the school principal, or cafeteria manager with the hopes of achieving their desired result.
Mentor Texts by Kids
Below, I offer examples of kids who used opinion writing to achieve a goal. I also offer some teaching points for each mentor text based on craft moves used by the writers.
The Importance of Kindness
- Shares a personal story
- Shares examples to support her point
- Appeals to emotion
- Begins with a quote
Why I Love My 3D Printer
- Provides background information about the topic
- Includes jokes to keep audience engaged (Who knew opinion writing could be funny?)
- Includes photos and media to support his argument
Our Campaign to Ban Plastic Bags in Bali
- Shares research
- Speech is structured by lessons learned
- Inspires kids to make a change: “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you’re too young or you won’t understand,” Isabel says.
11 Year Old’s Persuasive Letter to Trade Her Dad (It worked!)
- Showcases letter format
- Appeals to emotion
- Shares examples to support her point
Learn more about Jordyn and her dad at this link.
Children’s Literature to Inspire Writers
Lastly, here are some of my favorite books to get kids excited about opinion writing.
Rise Up and Write It by Nandini Ahuja, illustrated by Anoosha Syed
This is my all-time favorite book to jump-start opinion writing! Follow Farah Patel as she fights to bring the butterflies back to her neighborhood. The book includes several pull-out examples of opinion writing, including a letter to the mayor, a ready-to-sign petition, protest sign, and more.
Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds
Peter reminds students that the world needs their voice in this inspirational book. His illustrations depict writers of all kinds sharing their opinions through posters, letters, songs, and speeches.
Speak Up by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Follow this group of kids through their school day as they demonstrate the importance of speaking up about things you care about. Enjoy the rythmic prose and study the story in the pictures.
One Word From Sophia by Jim Averbeck and Yasmeen Ismail
Sophia is the master of persuasion in this book as she attempts to get a pet giraffe. Use this text to mine persuasive language and take a look at Sophia’s convincing presentations, proposals, and pie charts.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
An opinion writing study isn’t complete without the persuasive pigeon! The Pigeon series is especially useful for young writers as an introduction to opinion writing. When I shared this book with Kindergarteners, many of them crafted their own books featuring the pigeon asking for different things.
Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoet
Malala is one of the most famous kid activists. This picture book shares some of the things Malala wished for as a child in Pakistan, with the ultimate realization that she could make a difference herself.
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
Arfy is a homeless dog who’s mastered the art of persuasive letter writing. He writes to every person on the street, sharing compelling reasons why he’d make a great pet! Students will love analyzing Arfy’s letters to determine ways to improve their own letters.
Opinion writing can be impactful and fun! Let us know how it goes in the comments, or share a link to other favorite mentor texts for this genre.
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The teaching points for digital mentor texts are so useful! I’m glad you’re highlighting this since digital mentor texts matter! Kids need to learn to “read” them like a writer just like they do with books.
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