Write an Opinion Piece

Your child writes a short opinion piece on something they care about, making a clear claim and backing it with reasons and evidence. A real piece of persuasive writing they can be proud of.

How to do it

1. Have your child choose a topic they have a real opinion on and state their main claim in one sentence.
2. Ask them to list two or three reasons and, for each, something that supports it, such as an example or a fact.
3. Have them draft the piece with an opening that states the claim, a middle that gives the reasons, and a short, strong ending.
4. Encourage them to name what someone who disagrees might say and answer it in a sentence or two.
5. Read it back together for clarity and let them make a final edit before it is finished.

What you need

• Topic
• Paper
• Pen
• Device

Make it yours

Younger, 9-10 years: A claim plus two reasons is plenty, and support can be a personal example rather than a looked-up fact. Older, 12 years and up: Require a cited source for at least one point and a full response to the strongest opposing argument. Siblings: Each writes on the same topic from opposite sides, then reads both aloud.