Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Opinion Writing and Picture Book Philosophy for Children

In this class, students will use the OREO graphic organizer to write opinion paragraphs based on philosophical questions raised by popular children's picture books.
Eric Urban
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(176)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
1 in-class hours per week

Class Experience

Class Schedule:
1. Introductions
     Everyone gives a quick introduction. What is your name? Where are you from? Have you read this story before? 
2. Read Aloud:
     Listen to the teacher read the story.  The teacher will use the "share screen" option to share a PDF version of the story.  
     Students can follow along and see the pictures while they listen.
3. Discussion:
    A Socratic seminar style discussion. The discussion will be based on the questions raised in that week's read aloud.  For example, the discussion for "Dragons and Giants" will focus on bravery.  What is bravery? What does it mean to be brave?  Can one be afraid and brave at the same time?  
4. Introduction to the OREO Graphic Organizer
     The teacher will introduce the OREO graphic organizer. 
     A recorded explanation of each section of the graphic organizer will also be available for self paced review. 
5.  Students can choose to submit their paragraph for feedback.  

April 20: Dragons and Giants with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
April 27: Frederick by Leo Lionni 
May 4  : The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone
May 11: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

Learning Goals

Students will use the OREO graphic organizer to write an opinion paragraph or multi paragraph essay.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Topics of friendship, sharing, bravery, Identity (what makes me who I am), aesthetics and basic ethics will be discussed at an age appropriate level in this class. The teacher does not present their own opinion on these topics. The teacher will work as a facilitator for the discussion.
Supply List
Provided by the teacher: 
Video explaining the OREO graphic organizer
The OREO graphic organizer
Word and phrase bank for introductions and transitions
 2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
5.0
176reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have 13 years of experience teaching at the elementary level.  For 8 of those years I taught students with multiple disabilities, emotional disturbances and specific learning disabilities.  I welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles.  I have a Master of Arts and Teaching, Special Education from Pacific University, Oregon.  My Bachelor of Arts degrees are in Religious Studies and Philosophy.  

My experience teaching philosophy through children's stories started as an effort to expand my students comprehension beyond setting, character and events. The stories we were reading in class often made interesting claims, some of which invited further discussion.  A complete philosophy lesson covers skills in reading, critical thinking, speaking and listening, and writing. 

Children are full of opinions, ask questions constantly and if they don't know an answer they will make one up.  All traits of a good philosopher.  

Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$12

weekly

1x per week
60 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-10
3-9 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyYour Privacy ChoicesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2025 Outschool