Grade 6 ELA Activities

Every time we open a newspaper, we are reminded of the importance of fact and opinion. For instance, do we judge public figures based on what they say and do, or based on our own beliefs — the opinions that we bring to our reading of a factual news story? A fact is information for which there is proof. Opinions are judgments or beliefs we form, sometimes with the facts in mind, but not always. Understanding the difference between fact and opinion requires careful evaluation of the information we read, hear, and see. It also tells us how to think about the ways evidence can support a statement and how to be fair and objective in our judgments and speech.

Although most of us have familiar objects in our homes, how much do we really know about each one? For example, can we easily remember the story behind our favorite rug in the living room? Do we appreciate this object because of its concrete qualities (facts), or because of opinions or attachments we have formed? This activity, in which you and your child sort out facts and opinions, can be done in an informal way as a discussion, or can be structured into a more organized game.

Have your child focus on a common object in your home. This object might be a household item, such as a lamp, a rug, or a favorite plate or mug. It could also be something of your child’s, such as a game or a favorite shirt.

If you want to talk with your child about the chosen object, the only materials you need are the objects. If you want to keep a record of facts and opinions, you will need paper for writing.

Ask your child to come up with “just the facts” about her object. Have her consider such questions as:

	What material is the object made of?

	Where did it come from?

	How old is the object?

	Who else might have an object like this one?

	How do you use the object?

	Are there unintended uses for it — ways that she uses it that its creator never intended?

After you have determined the facts, move on to opinions — the ideas, feelings, and judgments your child has about the object. Gather opinions with such questions as, “What’s the best story you can tell about this object?” “What’s the most important use of this object?” “What feelings do you have about this object and why?”

With all of this information gathered, discuss what the differences are between facts and opinions. You might also talk about how some facts serve as evidence for the opinions.

By helping your child make careful distinctions between facts and opinions, you encourage her to understand and evaluate the different types of statements she encounters. If you want to challenge your child further, ask her to tell you which facts she used when forming an opinion about an object in your home. To help her gain even more familiarity with seeing the differences between facts and opinions, have her quiz you on the facts and opinions about objects that are familiar to both of you.

As your child becomes confident about distinguishing facts from opinions, have her identify facts and opinions in newspaper articles. Take some time to look at the different kinds of articles that appear in the newspaper: for example, news stories (a source of facts) and editorials (lots of opinions, often supported with facts).

 Grade 6 ELA Activities