Kindergarten Writing - Opinion Writing Prompts

Without daily writing prompts many students this age will write about the same topic every single day. One year, I had a student who would write about the Red Power Ranger every single chance he got.  Last year, I had a student who would write about her puppy no matter how much I encouraged her to branch out. This is why writing prompts are so important. I typically give my class a "free-write" day once every two weeks. Otherwise, there is always, always, always a writing prompt for the day! This helps to establish that writing is just like talking. The prompt (or question of the day) helps kids to feel like they're having a conversation instead of doing a chore.

Here are some easy prompts to establish the concept of Opinion Writing

Easy – Introducing the Concept

1. Describe the best snack.
2. Describe the best toy.
3. Describe the best dessert.
4. Describe the best dinner/lunch/breakfast.
5. Describe the best movie.
6.  Describe the best show on TV.
7. Describe the best game to play in a pool.
8. Describe the best sport to play/watch.
9. Describe the best game to play at home.
10. Describe the best game to play at recess.

Writing Possible sentence frames to help EL students: 

" The best snack is _______. I like it because it is ________." 

" I think _______ is the best because it is ________. " 

Medium – Developing the Concept

1.    Do you prefer fruits or vegetables? Why?

2.    Do you prefer cookies or crackers? Why?

3.    Do you prefer pancakes or waffles? Why?

4.    Do you prefer Legos or blocks? Why?

5.    Do you prefer cupcakes or brownies?

6.    Do you prefer chicken nuggets or fish sticks?

7.    Do you prefer hot dogs or sandwiches?

8.    Do you prefer baseball or football?

9.    Do you prefer hopscotch or tag?

10.   Do you prefer painting or play dough?

Writing Possible sentence frames to help EL students: 

" I prefer _____ because ______." 

" I prefer _____ over ______ because ______." 

Hard – Practicing Negation and Mindful Reasons

1.    Is it safe to visit a zoo?

2.    Is it safe to cross the street without an adult?

3.    Is it safe to go to bed without brushing your teeth?

4.    Is gummy bears and chocolate a healthy snack?

5.    Should children be allowed to walk to school by themselves?

6.    Should children have chores/jobs at home?

7.    Should girls and boys be allowed to use the same bathrooms?

8.     Do we need police officers in our community or can we solve our own problems?

9.     Do we need fire fighters in our community or can we take care of our own homes or buildings on fire?

10.    Put yourself in the perspective of a turkey on Thanksgiving. What other meats would the turkey say you should eat instead of him? 

Writing Possible sentence frames to help EL students: 

" I believe ______. My first reason is ______. Another reason is ________. My last reason is _______." 

To download a pdf file of these prompts click here.