Unit Plan 10 (Grade 2 ELA): Launching Opinion Writing
Second graders learn to express opinions clearly with strong reasons and closings. They use linking words like because, and, and also to connect ideas, writing complete, persuasive sentences with confidence.
Focus: State an opinion; give reasons; closing
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing • Speaking/Listening • Language)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Writers learn to share what they think and why—clearly and respectfully. This unit launches opinion writing with kid-friendly frames (“I think ___ because ___”), matching reasons to a clear opinion, and crafting a short closing that wraps it up. Students rehearse ideas out loud, then write in complete sentences. By Friday, each child produces a polished, one-paragraph opinion piece.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- State a clear opinion on a familiar topic and supply reasons that support it (W.2.1).
- Use simple linking words (because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons (W.2.1).
- Participate in pair and small-group discussions to rehearse ideas, listen, and take turns (SL.2.1).
- Produce complete simple sentences in speaking and writing; choose nouns/verbs that fit (L.2.1).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2
- W.2.1, SL.2.1, L.2.1
Success Criteria — student language
- I can write one strong opinion sentence.
- I can give two reasons that match my opinion.
- I can use because/and/also to connect my ideas.
- I can end with a closing that restates my opinion.
- I can speak and write in complete sentences.