O is for Oreo Opinion Organizer: Persuasive Writing

Oreos can make pervasive writing more fun! I came across a graphic organizer titled "OREO" when researching ways to teach facts and opinions. I ended up getting way off track but in the end found a brand new-to-me teaching idea. I decided to try this method with Alyssa (Age 8). It was something different from our regular routine which provided a little more variety to our homeschool day.

Prior to using the Oreo Opinion Organizer we watched an OREO powerpoint to introduce the method and brainstormed persuasive (opinion) writing ideas. She chose one topic for today's paper.   

O - Opinion (Clearly Stated)

R - Reasons for your Opinion (Valid)

E - Examples that Support Your Opinion (Relevant)

O - Opinion Restated

I added in a little incentive. I told her she could earn an Oreo cookie for each valid reason in her paper that had relevant examples. Single, double, or triple stuffed Oreos indicate how many reasons with examples your child will add to the paper. She wrote a double stuffed persuasive paper on how cats are better pets than dogs. Her final draft was written the next day. We'll discuss opening, closing, and transitional sentences a different day. The lesson was a huge success!

You can find many free graphic organizers if you do a quick Google search. Here are just a few I found available at Teachers Pay Teachers. Sign up for a free account to access the materials while they are still available for free. These links will get you started.

• Tales of a Tenacious Teacher
• Teaching with Crayons and Curls
• 3rd Grade to the Core
• Smart Cookies Difference between reasons and examples

Here are final draft Oreo Opinion Writing papers.

• The Primary Journey 
• Teaching with Tara

A simple presentation about the method can be seen below. We'll definitely use this method again! 

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky and at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.