Writing an Opinion Piece About Gratitude

Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.

Recognize the distinguishing features of a sentence (e.g., first word, capitalization, ending punctuation).

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Use common, proper, and possessive nouns.

Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences (e.g., He hops; We hop).

Use personal, possessive, and indefinite pronouns (e.g., I, me, my; they, them, their, anyone, everything).

Use frequently occurring conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, so, because).

Use end punctuation for sentences.

Spell untaught words phonetically, drawing on phonemic awareness and spelling conventions.

Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation

Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Understand what gratitude is (the ability to recognize and express appreciation) and why practicing gratitude is a character strength

Apply and demonstrate the character strengths of honesty and integrity, caring and compassion, gratitude, and the courage to take initiative

Demonstrate the ability to listen carefully and intentionally to others

Initiate and engage in conversation and social interactions with classmates, peers, and adults

Play games and appropriately participate in small group classroom activities

Describe a rule or principle that everyone should strive to live by (e.g., be kind, be honest, try your best)