Voice Box Teacher Guide Voice Box Teacher Guide
Intro to Opinion Writing • Grade 3 • 20 Minute Small Group
20 MIN
Learning Objectives
Students will distinguish between facts (provable) and opinions (feelings/thoughts).
Students will use opinion sentence starters (I think, I feel, In my opinion).
Students will state an opinion and provide one supporting reason using "because".
The 20-Minute Squeeze
Time Activity Key Teacher Moves 0-5 mins Fact vs. Opinion Use the "Prove It" test. If you can prove it with a book or photo, it's a fact. If it's about what you like, it's an opinion. 5-10 mins The Starters Model using "In my opinion..." vs just saying "Dogs are best." Practice saying them out loud. 10-18 mins Writing Activity Distribute "My Voice Worksheet." Prompt: "What is the best school lunch?" or "Best animal?" Support with "because." 18-20 mins Quick Share Have each student read their full sentence using a starter and a reason.
Voice Box Prompts
"If I say 'Apples are red,' is that a fact or an opinion? How do we know?"
"Why do we need to give a reason for our opinion? (To help others understand why we think that!)"
"Can two people have different opinions and both be right? (Yes! That's the power of the Voice Box.)"
Check for Understanding
Ready to Move On:
Student can explain that an opinion is a personal feeling and uses a sentence starter correctly.
Needs More Support:
Student confuses facts/opinions or provides a reason that doesn't match the opinion.
Voice Box Discussion Cards Voice Box Discussion Cards
Small Group Conversation Starters • Grade 3 Opinion Writing
Cut & Use
Fact or Opinion?
"The library has more than 500 books."
Challenge: How could you prove if this is true?
Voice Box Prompt
In your opinion, what is the best game to play at recess?
Sentence Starter:
"I believe..." or "I feel..."
The Reason Bridge
"I think summer is better than winter..."
BUILD THE BRIDGE:
BECAUSE...
Fact or Opinion?
"Third grade is the most exciting grade in school."
Challenge: Would every student agree with this?
Voice Box Prompt
If you could have any superpower, which would be the best?
Sentence Starter:
"In my opinion..."
The Reason Bridge
"I feel that reading is a super skill..."
BUILD THE BRIDGE:
BECAUSE...
Instructions: Cut out these cards and place them in a "Voice Box" or deck. Students take turns drawing a card and responding aloud to practice their opinion skills.
Opinion Showdown Game Challenge Opinion Showdown
Small Group Writing Strategy Game
2-4 PLAYERS
Rules
1. Roll dice to move.
2. Check Legend for task.
3. Reach Finish to win!
4. Help your teammates!
Space Legend: What to say out loud
Prove It!
Say "Fact" if true for all, or "Opinion" if it's a feeling.
Starter Spark
Use "I think..." or "I feel..." to share your thought.
Bridge Builder
Give an opinion AND a reason using "because" .
Showdown!
Pick any starter and share your favorite thing .
1 START
2
PROVE IT!
"Dogs are the best pet."
3
STARTER SPARK
Topic: Recess
4
SHOWDOWN!
Best Ice Cream?
5
BRIDGE
Topic: Pizza
VOICE BOX
6
PROVE IT!
"Water is a liquid."
11
STARTER SPARK
Topic: Summer
10
SHOWDOWN!
Best Movie?
9
BRIDGE
Topic: Homework
8
STARTER SPARK
Topic: Sports
7
SHOWDOWN!
Best Color?
12
BRIDGE
Topic: Bedtime
13
PROVE IT!
"Reading is fun."
14
SHOWDOWN!
Best Cereal?
15
BRIDGE
Topic: Veggies
16
STARTER SPARK
Topic: Travel
17 FINISH
Voice Box Slides GRADE 3 WRITING
VOICE BOX
Unlocking the Power of Your Opinion
The Proof Test
FACT
Something you can prove is true for everyone.
"The sun is a star."
OPINION
What you think, feel, or believe .
"Sunny days are the best."
Open the Box
Use these "Starters" to let people know you are sharing your opinion:
"I think..."
"I feel..."
"In my opinion..."
"I believe..."
"In my opinion, pizza is the king of foods!"
The Reason Bridge
Opinions are stronger when you build a bridge to a reason . Use the word BECAUSE !
Your Opinion
"I think recess should be longer..."
BECAUSE
Your Reason
"...we need more time to play sports."
Your Turn!
Choose ONE topic and use your "Voice Box" worksheet:
What is the best dessert in the world?
Which animal makes the best pet?
Don't forget your Starter and your Reason !
My Voice Worksheet My Voice Worksheet
Opinion Writing Practice: Part 1
NAME:
DATE:
Part 1: The Proof Test
Read each sentence. Circle FACT if it can be proven. Circle OPINION if it's a personal feeling.
1. A triangle has three sides.
FACT OPINION
2. Recess is the best part of the day.
FACT OPINION
3. Red apples taste better than green ones.
FACT OPINION
4. Humans need water to survive.
FACT OPINION
5. Math is the hardest subject in school.
FACT OPINION
6. Dogs are more loyal than cats.
FACT OPINION
My Voice Worksheet
Opinion Writing Practice: Part 2
Part 2: Finding Your Voice
Choose an Opinion Starter from the bank to complete each sentence below.
I think...
I feel...
In my opinion...
I believe...
popcorn is the best snack.
everyone should learn to bake.
rainy days are very peaceful.
video games can help you learn.
My Voice Worksheet
Opinion Writing Practice: Part 3
Part 3: The Reason Bridge
Build a bridge by adding a strong reason for each opinion using the word BECAUSE .
1. I think pepperoni is the best pizza topping...
2. In my opinion, soccer is a fun sport to play...
3. I feel that kids should have less homework...
My Voice Worksheet
Opinion Writing Practice: Part 4
Part 4: Writing Showcase
Choose ONE topic: "The Best Snack" OR "The Best School Subject" .
Voice Box Checklist
I used an Opinion Starter (I think, I feel...)
I stated my opinion clearly.
I used the word "because" .
I gave a strong reason .
Opinion Anchor Chart Fact vs. Opinion
FACT
Something you can PROVE is true for everyone.
"The earth is round."
"Water freezes at 32°F."
PROVE IT BY:
Researching in a book or testing it!
OPINION
What you THINK, FEEL, or BELIEVE.
"Pizza is the best lunch."
"Math is my favorite class."
REMEMBER:
People can have different opinions!
Opinion Sentence Starters
I think...
"...cats are cute."
I feel...
"...sad when it rains."
I believe...
"...we need more art."
In my opinion...
"...blue is the best."
I prefer...
"...sunny weather."
My favorite...
"...pet is a dog."
Pro Tip: Use the word BECAUSE to give a reason!
Opinion Anchor Chart Fact vs. Opinion
FACT
Something you can PROVE is true.
"The earth is round."
"A cat has whiskers."
PROVE IT BY:
Researching in a book!
OPINION
What you THINK or FEEL.
"Pizza is the best lunch."
"Apples are delicious."
REMEMBER:
People can disagree!
Opinion Starters
I think...
"...dogs are cute."
I feel...
"...happy on Fridays."
I believe...
"...recess is fun."
In my opinion...
"...blue is pretty."
Pro Tip: Use BECAUSE to give a reason!