Using Your Words: How to Share Your Opinion and Why

Is a hot dog better with ketchup or mustard? People don't always agree - and that's okay! The trick to being a great talker is not just saying what you think, but also saying WHY you think it. That little word 'because' turns 'I like hot dogs' into a real reason grown-ups (and friends) can understand.

You will practice stating an opinion clearly, learn to always follow your opinion with the word 'because' and a reason, learn how to listen politely while someone else is talking, and learn one polite way to disagree without being mean.

An opinion is what YOU think or feel about something - it's not right or wrong, it's just yours. But a strong opinion always comes with a reason. Instead of just saying 'Recess is the best part of school,' a strong talker says 'Recess is the best part of school BECAUSE I get to run and play with my friends.' The word 'because' is like a bridge that connects what you think to why you think it.

Great debaters are also great listeners. When someone else is sharing their opinion, keep your mouth closed, look at them, and wait for your turn - even if you disagree! In a classroom debate, you might raise your hand or wait for a special 'talking object' like a small ball before it's your turn to speak.

Imagine your class is deciding on one pizza topping for a party: pepperoni or cheese. One friend says 'I think we should get pepperoni because it has more flavor.' Another friend says 'I think we should get cheese because some kids can't eat meat.' Both are using opinion + because - that's what makes it a fair debate instead of just arguing.