Mr. S Teaches
Sign inRequest Tutoring
Menu
Sign inRequest Tutoring

Grade 1 · English language arts · 20 minutes

Write an opinion

Choose and name a favorite game. Name a topic, state an opinion, give a reason, and close.

Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-1-write-an-opinion

Learning objective

Explain and practice write an opinion using the activity and evidence, then show the reasoning behind an answer.

Gather your materials

  • Paper and pencil or dictation support
  • The short text provided in this lesson
  • Optional drawing supplies

Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.

Common Core skill focus

W.1.1

Name a topic, state an opinion, give a reason, and close.

Read the official standard ↗

Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard.

Teach it step by step

  1. Choose and name a favorite game.
  2. State an opinion clearly.
  3. Give a reason that explains the preference.
  4. Add a closing sentence and read the piece aloud.

Watch, notice, discuss

Video choices for this lesson

2 choices

Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.

Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.

After watching

State an opinion, give a reason, and finish with a sentence that connects to your opinion.

An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.

Make the thinking visible

Example to work through together

I like tag because I can run with my friends. Tag is my favorite recess game. The reason supports the opinion and the final sentence closes it.

Try the starter activity

Write about a favorite game using because for a reason.

Student practice

Write or dictate a short opinion about a favorite book or game.

Quick check for understanding

What does your reason explain?

Sample answer and teacher guidance

Sample answer: Why you prefer that game.

Listen or look for: Look for topic, preference, relevant reason and closure. Do not require a particular favorite.

Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.

Make it work for your learner

A little more support

Offer a drawing organizer and because sentence frame.

An additional challenge

Give two different reasons and explain which is more convincing.