Lander University Teacher Education Lesson Plan Template

Teacher Candidate: Alexandra Smith

Subject/Grade: Writers Workshop / 3rd Grade
10/10/2014 8:30am

Rev. 2013

Lesson # 2
Date and Time of Lesson:

Learning Objective:
Students will be able to write an opinion piece on a topic and provide reasons that support their point of view.
The lesson is a mini lesson to guide students through the prewriting and rough draft processes. (Students will
revise and edit in another lesson).
Alignment with Standards:
Language Arts Standard

Text Types and Purposes:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.B
Provide reasons that support the opinion.
Developmental Appropriateness or Cross-curricular connections:
The learning objective is appropriate because it is a third grade common core standard that builds upon
standards taught in previous grades for opinion writing. In first grade, they had to state an opinion and
provide one reason that supported it; and in second grade they had to provide two reasons. They also may
ask questions while they work.
Assessment(s) of the Objectives:
Lesson Objective(s)

Language Arts Objective:

Students will be able to
write an opinion piece on
topics or texts and provide
reasons that support their
point of view.

Assessment(s) of the
Objective(s)

Pre: I will determine if

students know what it
means to have an opinion
through discussion.
During: I will walk around
the classroom as students
write to ensure they
understand the objective.
Post: I will look over their

Use of Formative
Assessment

Assessment data will be

used to plan further
instruction by
determining if the
students need more
instruction to help them
understand how to
state and support their
own opinions.

Lander University Teacher Education Lesson Plan Template

Rev. 2013

final product and look for

their opinion and how they
supported it.
Accommodations:
If I notice that students are having difficulty filling out their worksheet, I will provide more explicit examples
and further instruction. The lesson will take as much time as needed in order for the students to completely
fill out their worksheet and compose their final draft on a separate sheet of paper. It will be acceptable for
students to write out their draft on a separate sheet of paper first, and then use another sheet for their final
draft. If some students have difficulty seeing the board, I will allow them to come to the carpet. Students may
stand at their desk if they become restless. Students who have difficulty choosing a topic for their work may
discuss the topics with me for further clarification.
Materials: Promethean Board, Elmo projector, worksheets, pencils, and notebook paper
Procedures:
1. The lesson will be introduced by reading a sample of an opinionated work created by the teacher. The
example will be presented using ELMO.
2. Next, we will reflect from what we read by holding a class discussion.
3. We will specifically look at the opinion stated in the text and how I specifically supported my opinion.
4. To recite, I will have the students turn and talk to their neighbor for one minute (I will watch the clock
as I walk around and listen to student discussions) about ways they can support an opinion. After they
talk to their neighbor, I will have a few students tell me what they talked about with their neighbor.
5. Next, the students will be given a handout that will help them gather their thoughts in an organized
way. (handout is attached separately)
6. The handout has six sections:
Topics to choose from
My Opinion
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
Next, write a rough draft on a separate sheet of paper.
7. Students will be given three topics to choose from. The three topics will be:
Should your parents let you have a cell phone?
Should teachers give homework?
Should students be required to go to detention if they dont complete homework assignments?
8. In order for me take the status of the class, I will ask the students randomly to show me whole group
with their fingers by raising their hand which section they are currently working on. These will be listed
on the board so the students will know which one to show me when I ask:
Fist My Opinion
1 finger Reason 1

Lander University Teacher Education Lesson Plan Template

Rev. 2013

2 fingers Reason 2
3 fingers Reason 3
Thumbs up for working on the paragraph on another piece of paper
9. Conferencing will take place for the whole duration of the worksheet and when write their rough draft
on a separate sheet of paper.
10. While students are filling out the worksheet, I will be walking around the classroom ensuring that
students understand what they should be doing. I will help students individually as I walk around. If I
notice students have difficulty, I will pull them back together as a small group to explain any confusion.
11. If time permits students will share what they have written. I will allow them to come to the front or
stay at their desk to share their work. If there is not enough time allotted, I will have students share
their work during Morning Meeting throughout the week.

Activity Analysis:
The students are able to fully organize their thoughts with the worksheet that is provided.
The scaffolding instructional strategy will be used throughout the entire lesson in order to build the
students knowledge.
The Promethean Board will be used as a tool for providing an example prior to creating their own.
Students will talk to their peers before they start the worksheet.
Students will share their work with the class during the allotted time.
References:
http://www.corestandards.org/
https://app.box.com/s/yyo570nnr11onf0657oh
Mrs. Wolfe