Writing Mini Lesson: Third Grade

Teaching Point: Opinion Pieces

Materials: Chart paper, The Three Little Pigs, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.9: Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories
written by the same author about the same or similar characters (e.g., in books from a series)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view
with reasons.
Yesterday we read The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka. After
reading it, we discovered that it is very different from The Three Little Pigs story we are all
familiar with. Today I am going to teach you how to write an opinion piece. A well written
opinion piece consists of your point of view and most importantly supporting reasons. To get
you started, as a class we are going to compare and contrast both books using a Venn Diagram. I
really like using this technique if I want to write an opinion piece. Its a great visual tool to see
all the supporting evidence for either side. Turn and talk to a partner and share one idea you
have for our chart. (After they have turned and talked to a partner, students will come up with at
least three ideas to add on their own. On the chart paper create a Venn Diagram comparing the
two books. Be sure to include characters, point of view, problem, solution, etc.) Once the Venn
Diagram is completed, address the class. I think weve put a lot of good similarities and
differences about the two books in our Venn Diagram. Raise your hand if you liked the Three
Little Pigs better? Now, if you liked The True Story of the Three Little Pigs? Im sure a lot of
you have read stories with similar themes or even by the same author, like books in a series.
Next time youre reading I want you to think about the similarities and differences you notice.
Now you will return to your seats and work independently to write to a friend which story you

liked better. But most importantly tell them why you liked it better. Keep the chart at the front
of the room for students to reference while they work.