What do OREO cookies and writing have in common this month? Opinion writing, of course! This month, the fourth grade students have been learning how to defend their opinions on various topics using reason and supportive evidence. Should chocolate milk be banned from schools? Is it more fun to be a child or an adult? Should teachers no longer assign group work? Recently, the student writers chose and wrote about, Which animal makes the best pet? In addition to dogs and cats, some students selected lizards, chickens, and a goat.
Following the OREO format- they stated their opinion, gave four to five reasons, evidence, explanation, examples for each reason, and then restated their opinion. Another skill mastered during this writing assignment was the use of transition words and inserting transparent images to enhance their writing. We celebrated the publishing of their “Greatest Pet” writing with a read-aloud and of course… OREOS!