Activity Description

Preparation:

1. Prepare task cards for each student
   1. Cut out small cards from cardstock
   2. On one side write the word Fact and on the other side write the word Opinion
2. Select a short non-fiction text
   1. Copy the text onto a piece of chart paper
3. Prepare the Facts and Opinions chart
   1. Record a definition for a fact and for an opinion on another piece of chart paper
   2. List examples of each term

Implementation:

Session 1:

1. Read aloud sentences
   1. Have students determine whether each sentence is a fact or an opinion
      • Students should hold up the task card showing the correct side
   2. Have students discuss reasons for their decisions

Session 2:

1. Read aloud the definitions of a fact and an opinion on the Facts and Opinions chart
   1. Discuss the list of examples
   2. Have students share examples of facts and opinions and record their ideas on the chart
2. Read aloud your selected text
3. Have students identify the sentences that are facts and the sentences that are opinions

                a.  Use 2 different colors to underline these sentences

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Provide a symbol or picture to identify the terms "fact" and "opinion"
- Prior to the activity, pre-teach each term and model examples for student
- Pause after each sentence has been shared to allow all students time to respond

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Anchor the Facts and Opinions chart on the wall as a reference
- Color code the words and definitions
- Meet with student one-on-one to review terms and examples

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Choose a text that is culturally inclusive and familiar

Differentiated Instruction:

- List a variety of examples on the Facts and Opinions chart

Related References

Evidence: 
Flowers, T. A. & Flowers, L. (2009). Nonfiction in the early grades: Making reading and writing relevant for all students. Journal for the Liberal Arts and Science, 13, 40-50.