Fidget Spinners Opinion Writing

Fidget spinners…do you love them or hate them? Are they tools for learning or just toys? Should they be allowed in classrooms? That is the debate! Students read about fidget spinners, develop their own opinion, and write a paragraph expressing their opinion of whether fidget spinners should or should not be allowed at school. This is an authentic, engaging, and motivating way for students to write an opinion paragraph!

Suitable for third and fourth grade, or also second grade if you plan to read aloud the passage to your students.

The resource includes the following:

1. Should Fidget Spinners be Allowed at School? Article: A one-page reading passage about fidget spinners, which can be used as background information for your students. Teachers can display this passage on the board, reading aloud or chorally as a class. Teachers can also photocopy the page, distribute, and have students read independently, in a book club, or with a partner. You can also display the next page, posing the debate question, on the board, as a way to set the stage for learning.

2. Fidget Spinners Debate: A one-page reading passage showing both sides of the “fidget spinners in school” debate.

3. Success Criteria for Opinion Writing: A list of statements students can read to determine their success on this writing project.

4. Graphic Organizers for Prewriting and Planning Opinion: These graphic organizers help students to clearly state their opinion with an introduction, three supporting reasons, and a strong conclusion.

5. Peer Editing Checklist: With guidance from their peers, students develop and strengthen their writing as needed by editing, using this helpful checklist.

6. Writing Checklists: Two different writing checklists are included. One generic checklist can be used for a variety of different writing genres, while the other checklist is specifically for an opinion writing piece.

7. Opinion Writing Rubric: This one-page rubric is a powerful way for students to self-assess their writing. The teacher can also use the rubric to assess writing.

8. Writing Conference Template: As the students complete their writing, you can conference with them using this template. Provide one compliment (a star) and one wish (a suggestion) to improve the opinion writing.

9. Final Copy Paper: There are two different versions of lined paper for students to choose from as they write their final copy.