Teaching Fact and Opinion
I think we can all agree that there is no time more relevant than now, to teach our children the difference between a fact and an opinion. We are all inundated with constant information and it’s a valuable skill to be able to take that information and consistently evaluate it for truth. The resources below will help you while you are Teaching Fact and Opinion to your students.
How do we teach students to recognize opinions?
Show them the language that is often used when people are giving their opinions.
1. Language that is used as an emotional appeal.
When you read it, you feel really happy, angry, or sad.
2. Words that are very descriptive are often opinion statements.
These words often have est, er or ly added to them. They include words like: ugly, best, worst, kindest, saddest, smartest, funnier.
3. Words that show extreme negatives or positives are also clues to something being an opinion.
Words like: Always, never, most, everyone, no one, nobody, all, really
How do we teach students to recognize facts?
Statements that are factual typically have the following themes or words associated with them.
Facts can be proven.
- They are historical.
- Scientific
- Shows data
- Has Numbers
- There are dates
- Non-Fiction
Books that help teach Fact and Opinion
Having a mentor text to help explain a difficult concept is always helpful. These books will give you a jumping off point to have a discussion with your students about what is a fact and what is an opinion.
Facts vs. Opinions vs. RobotsDog vs. Cat
Hey, Little Ant
Which Would You Rather Be?
Activities to Teach Fact and Opinion
Have a Popcorn Party! Everyone loves a party, and who doesn’t love popcorn? Come to class with a large bag of popcorn and different popcorn toppings like cheddar cheese, or ranch… or try any of these other flavors.
[50 Pack] Movie Theater Popcorn Boxes Disposable Red & White Striped – 46 oz Capacity – Vintage Snack Box Concession and Carnival Party Supplies, Individual Popcorn Bucket ContainersPopcorn Party Decorations Popcorn Birthday Party Supplies Includes Popcorn Banner Cake Topper Cupcake Topper Balloons for Movie Night, Birthday, Carnivals, Circus Party
![[50 Pack] Movie Theater Popcorn Boxes Disposable Red & White Striped - 46 oz Capacity - Vintage Snack Box Concession and Carnival Party Supplies, Individual Popcorn Bucket Containers](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ApApQJiuL._SL500_.jpg)
Pass out popcorn to each student and let them put the topping of their choice on their popcorn.
Begin the discussion and write down what the students say.
What are some facts about Popcorn that we know?
- Popcorn comes from corn.
- It has to be heated in order to pop.
- It is white or yellow.
Related Post: Fact and Opinion Activity
What are some opinions about popcorn? What are your opinions about the specific flavors on the popcorn?
- It’s tasteless.
- It’s too soft.
- It’s too spicy.
- It’s delicious.
Ask students if they can see the difference between the facts and opinions.
Grab this Fact and Opinion printable lesson to go along with this activity.
This lesson is part of the Summer Skill Building Series that I have included in the 10 days of Homeschool Tips, you will want to check it out here.
Angela is the Homeschool Encourager for the Overwhelmed & Under-Caffeinated and the Chaos-to-Confidence Specialist behind Schooling with Grace. With a no-fluff approach, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of heart, she helps homeschool moms cut through the chaos, ditch unrealistic expectations, and teach with confidence.