How to Teach Opinion Writing in Special Education
I always found it tricky to truly know how to teach opinion writing in special education. My students needs are SO different and diverse, and reaching every learner seemed like a seriously daunting task.
Who’s with me?
As a result of this, over the years, I’ve created a bit of a system to teach different kinds of writing, that includes a progression to reach every student. In this blog, I will outline how I took my students from reluctant writers, to THRIVING writers!
Here’s what I did..
If students are at the beginning stages, I’d start with beginner level one and move up as the days continue. If they baseline at a higher level we start at that level.
For instance, here’s how I teach opinion writing in special education:
I take some baseline data and give students the baseline data sheet, or a blank sheet to see where they may be at in the continuum.
2- Start at the Appropriate Level (students love to share their opinions)
Most of my students start at level one and work their way up to level 4. As a result, the levels increase as the activities get tricker. Above all, independence increases which is the absolute goal. I’ll share some examples below! This image is the level one template. It comes with MANY prompts for students to understand the basics of opinion writing, and understand the format of the thinking. Students tend to like this one because they like choice making! ***If students are nonverbal, or are emergent readers and writers, using PCS and having them choose options with their choice boards may be a great alternative for this****
How to teach Opinion Writing – Use Differentiated Lessons!
3- Continue as the Package Says
it’s great to see students continue to progress and work through the activities in the various levels. You can also track progress, and write individual notes under the student observation section of this package. Here are some examples below of the differentiated package.
4- Watch your students SOAR
If you want a step by step package to support your learners through opinion writing I encourage you to check out my shop! I have the entire package for under $3.00 – woot woot!
I try to keep my products EXTREMELY affordable so ALL teachers, parents and more can work with their students in a systematic way!
There you have it! In short, this is how to teach opinion writing in special education!
I hope this process has made it a bit clearer for you, and as a result, allows your students to develop more independence with their writing.
