Teacher’s Brain

Category: Teaching Tips

3 Fun Ways to Practice Opinion Writing

Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips, Writing


As teachers, we know that opinion writing for kids is an important skill to learn early on in students’ education. It’s a great way to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and empowerment in students- preparing them for the future! 

opinion writing

If you are getting ready to start your opinion writing unit with your elementary students and you’re looking for some opinion writing prompts or opinion writing activities that will fully engage your students in their lessons, you’re in the right place! 

What is a fun way to introduce opinion writing?

There are many ways that you can start your opinion unit. Try out these ideas:

Classroom Survey

Begin by conducting a classroom survey on a light-hearted topic, such as your favorite ice cream flavor or preferred recess game. Students can then analyze the survey results and write about their own opinions, providing reasons to support their choices.

Picture Book Analysis

Choose a picture book with a clear opinion expressed by the characters or narrator. After reading the book together, discuss the opinions presented and encourage students to share their own viewpoints. This can serve as a springboard for students to start forming and writing about their opinions.

Role-Playing Activity

Create a scenario where students take on different roles or characters with differing opinions on a simple topic, such as “Best Season of the Year” or “Preferred School Lunch.” Allow students to express their assigned character’s opinion and reasons through role-playing, then transition to writing about their own opinions independently.

Looking for some ready-made activities that are low-prep and, most importantly, fun?! Look no further than these opinion writing activities! 

Opinion Writing Unit with Cookies

Opinion Writing with Cookies is a student favorite! Add some cookies and watch the creative writing flow. 

Designed with K-2 students in mind.

What’s in this download? 

Cover

Table of Contents

Lesson Plan for 5 Days

Brainstorm Page

In My Opinion Page

Thank About Your Cookie

Cookie Opinion Organizer for K-1

Cookie Organizer for 1-3 TEACHER SAMPLE

Cookie Organizer for 1-3 With intro and closing help

Cookie Organizer for 1-3 Blank (Students do all on their own.)

Primary Writing Lined Paper

Intermediate Lined Writing Paper

Cookie Acoustic Poem

Opinion RUBRIC for scoring

Writing Certificates

Transition Words

Descriptive Words for Cookies

POSTER

Parent Home Letter (cookie request)

Opinion Writing Dog vs Cat Writing Activity

Dogs vs Cats is a student favorite and gets their creative writing juices flowing! Students can use the graphic organizers to plan their opinion papers.

What’s in this download? 

Cover

Table of Contents

Lesson Plan

Donation Request (dog and cat-themed treats)

Opinion Poster

Cover for a Book (optional)

Transition Words/Phrases

Descriptive Words

Brainstorming

Think About Your Favorite

Primary and Intermediate Opinion Graphic Organizers with a SAMPLE (on pages 12-14)

CAT HEAD Writing Toppers (on pages 15-20)

DOG HEAD Writing Toppers (on pages 21-25)

Primary and Intermediate, Dog and Cat Paws, Writing Paper to match the topper they choose. (on pages 26-39)

Acrostic Poems (Extra Activity) (on pages 40-41)

RUBRIC

Super Author Certificates

Opinion Writing Prompts BEST Candy | Graphic Organizers

Opinion Writing with Candy is a student favorite! Add some candy and watch the creative writing flow. 

Designed with K-3 students in mind.

What’s in this download? 

Cover

Standards

Lesson Plan

Brainstorm Page

In My Opinion Page

Think About Your Favorite Candy

Candy Opinion Organizer for K-1

Candy Organizer for 1-3 TEACHER SAMPLE

Candy Organizer for 1-3 With intro and closing help

Candy Organizer for 1-3 Blank (students do all on their own.)

Primary Writing Lined Paper (on pages 12 & 13)

Intermediate Lined Writing Paper (on pages 14 & 15)

Picture Box Writing Options (on pages 16 & 17)

Acoustic Poem

Opinion RUBRIC for Scoring

Writing Certificates

Transition Words

Descriptive Words for Candy

POSTER

Parent Donation Request Letter

I hope your students love these opinion writing activities! For more writing fun, check out my post here!

3 Spring Activities Your Students Will Love

Craft Ideas, education, Teaching Tips


Spring has sprung! Spring break is approaching for many teachers and students and that brings tons of excitement. If you’re looking for some spring activities or even Easter activities for kids that you can do to hold your student’s attention and keep them engaged in learning this time of year, you’re in the right place.

spring activities for kids

Here are some engaging and fun bunny activities that are perfect for the spring season! 

Bunny Hop Relay Race

Teams gather for an exciting relay race! Equipped with bunny ears, students can hop to the turnaround point and back, tagging the next teammate. Your students will love this game! 

Bunny Craft Station

Get your students to explore their creativity with crafts! They can make bunny masks, puppets, or greeting cards for their parents or a friend! 

Bunny Storytime and Egg Hunt

After enjoying bunny-themed stories, take your students out to hunt for hidden eggs outdoors. This is a great way to encourage teamwork as they search and share their discoveries. If you’re looking for Easter activities, this is a great option! 

Want some done-for-you spring hands-on activities? Check out these ideas from the shop! 

Bunny Craft Printable Headband

Looking for a couple of engaging ways to celebrate spring with your students? Try these Bunny Rabbit Mask & Headband crafts. There are two writing papers included too. (intermediate lined and primary)

  • 1 Bunny Mask
  • 1 Bunny Headband
  • 2 Spring Bunny Writing Papers

How to Catch the Easter Bunny Writing | Build a Trap Activity

Are you looking for a great way to do a spring writing lesson with students?  I have you covered with these interactive, editable Google Slides to easily have students copy and paste movable parts to design their own Easter Bunny trap digitally (or in-person).  Then, they will write a narrative, persuasive, or opinion paper about how they plan to catch the bunny.

Bunny Craft Printables | Easter Hat | Writing

Are you looking for some engaging bunny crafts and writing ideas to do with your class this spring? Try these printables to easily create different bunny crafts! They make great centers and bulletin boards too!

  • 5 Crafts with Photos
  • 4 Spring Writing Papers (Primary and Intermediate Lined
  • Make a Headband, Bunny Candy Bag, Writing Craftivity, or letter Art

What are your favorite spring activities or bunny activities to do with your students? Let me know in the comments! 

Want more Easter activities? Check out my post here! 

3 Engaging Spring Activities for Kids

Craft Ideas, kindergarten survival, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips

Looking for some spring activities for kids? I have you covered! 

As we gear up for the spring season, I wanted to share some fun and engaging ideas to infuse your classroom with a little burst of springtime sunshine. 

spring activities for kids

What are some spring activities for elementary students?

Here are some ideas for some spring hands-on activities to get you started.

Life Cycles

Dive into the life cycles of plants and butterflies! Use simple props like egg cartons, art supplies, and pictures to create interactive displays. This hands-on approach will make learning about growth and change a memorable experience.

Try this: Butterfly Life Cycle Activity 

Want a fun activity for spring where the kids learn about the Butterfly Life Cycle and integrate symmetry by making a book that will make a lasting memory for them to share at home? I have you covered with these printables for creating a butterfly craft and writing options!

“This was so much fun! My students loved writing, coloring and creating their butterfly-they especially loved recreating the stages 🙂 Thanks so much!” -Jenny 

Rainy Day Science

Embrace the spring showers by turning them into a learning opportunity! Set up a rain gauge and encourage your little scientists to measure and record rainfall. Discuss the water cycle and the importance of rain for our environment.

Try this: Rainbow Activities

Are you looking for quick and simple rainbow crafts to display in your classroom? Look no more! These editable printables cover writing, math, and art! Just use paint, paint daubers, or color to make a rainbow. Add a little cotton to the clouds and you have a cheerful display!

“This was a great resource when discussing rainbows.” – Jared

Weather Watchers

Create a weather station in your classroom and have students take turns being weather reporters. They can observe and record the daily weather, noticing any changes that come with the arrival of spring.

Try this: Weather Patterns Unit

This unit is loa with enough resources to stretch it out for two weeks, if needed! If you need to teach weather patterns, the water cycle, rainbows, and more, I’ve got you covered with engaging activities and printables to make your life easy!

“This unit was a great way to introduce the water cycle to my kindergartners!” – Rachael

What are your favorite spring activities to do in your classroom? Let me know in the comments! 
For more spring fun, check out my post here!

3 Engaging Leap Year Activities for Elementary Students

Craft Ideas, education, Teaching Tips

As we leap into a new year, let’s not forget the extra-special phenomenon that graces our calendars every four years – Leap Year! 

This unique occurrence offers a fantastic opportunity to infuse some excitement into our classrooms and turn learning into a leap-tastic adventure. 

If you’re looking for leap year activities for elementary school, you’re in the right place!  I’m sharing three simple, yet educational Leap Year crafts and activities to celebrate Leap Day with your elementary students. 

leap year activities

Check out these three simple Leap Year activity ideas: 

Activity #1: Leap Frog Crowns

Create adorable Leap Frog Crowns with your elementary students using green construction paper, googly eyes, glue, scissors, and string. Cut a circle for the frog’s face, fold it for the mouth, and add strips for the headband. Let the kids unleash their creativity by decorating with googly eyes and smiles. Assemble the crowns, attach a string, and have a Leap Parade where they can hop around the room, celebrating Leap Year in style!

Activity #2: Leap Year Math Fun

Engage your students in Leap Year Math Fun by providing them with puzzles related to addition, subtraction, or multiplication. You can find ready-made puzzles or create your own. Watch as the kids solve these puzzles to reveal cool Leap Year facts or pictures. Encourage them to share their discoveries with the class, turning math into an enjoyable and educational celebration.

Activity #3: Leap Year Time Capsules

Get your students excited about the passage of time with Leap Year Time Capsules. Have them write letters to their future selves, detailing their current interests, goals, and favorite memories. Using small containers or jars, let the students decorate their time capsules with crayons, markers, and stickers. Seal the capsules, creating a special memento. Explain that these time capsules will be opened in the next Leap Year, fostering anticipation and a meaningful connection to the years ahead. This activity not only celebrates Leap Year but also encourages reflection and creativity in your classroom.

If you’re looking for some simple, ready-made Leap Year activities to celebrate Leap Day or Leap Year with your students, I have you covered! 

Check out my Leap Year 2024 Activities and Crafts resource

leap year activities

This resource is a collection of engaging materials that span reading, writing, and math activities. Plus, there are a couple of delightful crafts thrown in to foster a strong home connection and make learning about Leap Year an exciting adventure!

What is in this Download?

Suggested Lesson Plan

Optional Cover for a Journal

LEAP YEAR EXPLAINED (primary students)

LEAP YEAR EXPLAINED (Intermediate students with Q&A)

Writing Prompts (primary and intermediate lines)

Draw an animal that jumps.

February Calendar (Fill in the numbers, cut and paste the numbers and the regular calendar)

Frog Counting, 1 More and 1 Less

Posters (Leap, Leap Year)

Leap Year Frog Hat

Leap Year Glasses

Bookmarks

What are your favorite Leap Year activities to do with your students? Let me know in the comments! 


If you want more fun activities for February, check out my post here for Valentine’s Day activities!