4 - Opinion: Using the Power of Reviews

Young children naturally speak in persuasive ways. It is as if they are natural salesman – arguing for a later bedtime, debating why they should be able to attend a special event or campaigning to be a proud owner of a pet. They give their opinions about books they read, places they visit, movies they watch, and video games they play. This natural tendency to argue for what they want or to share their viewpoints is elevated in this unit by teaching young writers that opinions must be substantiated with reasons.

By studying reviews in the real world, young writers learn categories to include in specific types of reviews, qualities of good writing that make reviews more interesting and compelling, specialized language and vocabulary, and how to research to give credibility to their pieces. Students love “living the life of a reviewer” and begin viewing the world around them in a new light. They further develop and strengthen their writing by cycling through the process of planning, revising, editing, and publicly sharing their opinions with a real audience.

While the information contained here is not related to Unit Level Standards, important information related to UDL is included for your reference.

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

UDL is a research-based framework that focuses on proactive design and delivery of curriculum, instruction and assessment. UDL provides opportunities for every student to learn and show what they know, with high expectations for all learners.

Each student learns in a unique manner so a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective. UDL principles create options for how instruction is presented, how students express their ideas, and how teachers can engage students in their learning. (NY DOE)

© CAST, 2013

UDL
Universal Design for Learning

1. How do writers use mentor text to understand how to express opinions on a variety of topics?
2. How do writers develop opinions on topics of personal interest?
3. How do writers plan, research, and rehearse their opinions for a particular kind of review?
4. How do writers write in compelling ways to convince an audience?
5. How do writers revise and edit to make a piece more effective?
6. How do writers go public to make an impact on their peers?

Part One: On-Demand Assessment

Part Two: Immersion Phase

Concept I: Writers use mentor text to understand how to express opinions on a variety of topics (immersion phase).

See Immersion Phase explanation on subsequent pages.

Part Three: Lesson Sequence Phase

Concept II: Writers develop opinions on topics of personal interest.

Session 1 Writers will reread Reviewer’s Notebooks and discuss possible seed ideas for a review.

Session 2 Writers will select a type of review and craft an opinion.

Concept III: Writers plan, research, and rehearse their opinions for a particular kind of review.

Session 3 Writers will elaborate with reasons by studying categories to discuss within a particular type of review.

Session 4 Writers will research information for each category and take notes (you may need two days for this teaching point).

Session 5 Writers will research information for each category and take notes (2^nd day if needed for teaching point).

Session 6 Writers will interview others, take notes, and cite direct quotes.

Session 7 Writers will plan and rehearse for reviews by touching pages and/or sections.

Concept IV: Writers write in compelling ways to convince an audience.

Session 8 Writers will draft the review attending to structure/organization.

Session 9 Writers will use the voice and specialized language of a reviewer.

Session 10 Writers will use linking words and phrases to connect opinions and reasons.

Session 11 Writers will write catchy leads.

Session 12 Writers will write strong endings.

Concept V: Writers revise and edit to make a piece more effective.

Session 13 Writers will revise by learning from mentor text.

Session 14 Writers will use the specialized language of comparisons to inform readers.

Session 15 Writers will use a checklist to self-assess and decide how to revise.

Session 16 Writers will improve their pieces by sharing with writing partners.

Session 17 Writers will edit for capitalization of proper nouns.

Session 18 Writers will use an editing checklist.

Concept VI: Writers go public to make an impact on their peers.

Session 19 Writers will finalize their work and rehearse to go public with their reviews.

Session 20 Writers will reflect on their work and deliver their reviews to an audience.