Nicole Volpi

Grade: 3rd
Room 17
2/20/15
9:30
Lesson Plan: Writing Opinion Paragraphs
Common Core State Standards:
W.3.1-Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of
view with reasons.
Objective: Students will be able to write opinion paragraphs with
reasons and examples independently using the OREO writing strategy.
Materials:
Anchor Chart
White Board
Construction paper Oreos
Pencils
Worksheet for early finishers
Procedure:
1. Lesson introduction/ objective and purpose:
a. Boys and girls, last week we did a writing piece to
convince someone to visit the state you researched. Does
anyone remember what that type of writing that is? Right
that was opinion writing. We also learned the difference
between facts and opinions. Today we are going to learn a
strategy to help us write opinion paragraphs
independently.
2. Teach and Model:
a. Writers share their opinions with reasons and examples
that support their ideas. We do the same thing in reading
when we answer questions.
b. When you are writing a paragraph using your opinion you
can use the OREO strategy. Each letter in OREO stands for
something you should include in your paragraph. The first
O stands for opinion. This is the first sentence of your
paragraph that tells the reader what your opinion on this
topic is. This can also be called the thesis statement. When
we wrote the state reports we said a thesis statement
should be brief, have your opinion and be a statement. This

is the same when using the OREO strategy. The R stands

for reasons, so after you state your opinion you share a
reason for having that opinion. The E is very important, this
is where you share examples or details to support your
opinion. This is how you convince your reader to agree with
your opinion. The last letter is O. This again stands for
opinion. Here you want to restate your opinion.
c. The more reasons and examples you give the more likely
your reader is going to agree with your opinion. This is why
it is important to think of your writing as an oreo cookie.
You would much rather eat a double stuffed oreo then a
regular one. The same goes for your writing. Opinion
writing is much better when it is extra stuffed with reasons
and examples, so keep the OREO strategy in mind while
writing opinion pieces.
3. Guided Practice
a. Using different colored dry erase markers I will model
writing an opinion paragraph using the OREO strategy.
Each marker will represent a different part of the cookie
strategy.
b. I am going to show you how to write an opinion paragraph
using this strategy. My paragraph is going to be about my
favorite holiday.
c. Christmas is the best holiday. It is a time for family to
spend time together and celebrate. For example, many
families travel to enjoy holiday traditions like baking
Christmas cookies or exchanging presents. Christmas is
the one holiday I look forward to every year.
d. Lets look back at the anchor chart. Have I included all
pieces of the cookie? Is my writing double stuffed with
reasons and examples?
4. Independent Practice
a. Once students demonstrate confidence in using this
strategy I will allow them to practice this on their own.
b. When you go back to your seats you will find a
construction paper oreo cookie on your desk. We are going
to be writing a paragraph on your favorite season. Once
you choose your favorite season use the cookie to write
out your paragraph. Each of the sections is labeled just like
you saw it on the anchor chart, so just fill in your
information right on the cookie. Remember to start each
sentence with a capital letter and end with a punctuation
mark.
c. If you finish early read it over to make sure it looks and
sound right. Once you have done that you can come take a

worksheet off the table to further practice. Once everyone

is done we will come back together on the mat to share.
5. Conclusion:
a. Once everyone has finished call students to the matt to
share their OREO paragraphs.
b. Allow about 5-7 students to share their paragraphs.
c. Have students turn and talk with a partner to allow
everyone an opportunity to share.
6. Assessment
a. I will be able to determine this lesson was successful, if
students are able to successfully create an OREO cookie
paragraph with reasons and examples.
7. Differentiation
a. Lower level students will be given different types of graphic
organizers to help them brainstorm. These graphic
organizers will be differentiated as well. One will list the
OREO strategy where they can fill in their ideas. The
second will be designed to guide them specifically for
writing a paragraph on seasons. This will give them choices
and ideas to choose from.
b. Higher level students will be challenged to think of a
second reason and example they could add to their
paragraph.
c. A-a student who is blind in the class will be using brail
stickers on her OREO cookie instead of writing hers with
pencil.