Students who love to move and learn will enjoy this high energy class where lessons provide an opportunity to improve their writing skills. Specifically, students will be working on writing an opinion piece that explains their opinion, gives reasons for their opinion and provides a conclusion. The class will work on these ideas as a team, however students will also be given the option to create their own writing.  As the students work through the writing process, the teacher will encourage movement through "ninja" techniques such as kicks, punches, chops, and jumps.  The class syllabus is as follows: (Please note that all of these areas will be covered, however if students need time, or move quicker then expected the pace may be modified to accommodate, the absolute number one goal is to assure every child that they can be successful writers and the only person they need to keep up with is themselves!) 

Week One, Day One
Ninja Warm Up
Introduce what an opinion is, and have students choose a favorite ninja kick to do throughout the story.
Read a portion of a ninja themed story, discussing text features and reading comprehension questions.
Create a list of opinions about what has been read so far-  prewriting strategy 
Board Breaking
Homework: Bring a picture/drawing/ actual item of something that you dislike, be able to explain why you dislike it.  (food, place, sport)

Week One, Day Two
Ninja Warm Up
Introduce "ninja time" movement drill
Finish reading part two of ninja story
Discuss students opinions of the second half of ninja story
Share - students will share the item that they brought and write down reasons why they dislike it.
Homework - Bring a picture/drawing/ actual item of something that you really like, be able to explain why you like it.

Week Two, Day One
Ninja Warm Up
Introduce Ninja Blocks
Share Favorite Item
Model Prewriting Strategies
Assist in applying prewriting strategy to item brought to class to share,  and writing it down.
Kid Boppers! - movement drill
Homework: 1.Did you enjoy the ninja story? Be able to explain and give reasons why.
                    2. If you have a printer, have an adult print OREO worksheet. (or bring a large blank piece of paper to class and we can 
                    draw it out)

Week Two, Day Two
Ninja Warm Up
Discuss what the class opinions are about ninja story.
Introduce pre-writing strategy, "OREO" Opinion Writing - discuss and create chart
Obstacle course - movement drill
Homework: 1. Find a person in your household, or call a friend or family member and share you "OREO" chart. Ask them to tell you                   about something they really like or dislike and give you reasons.

Week Three, Day One
Ninja Warm Up
Share homework
Read a ninja themed story - preview story, discuss opinions of the story - Have you read this story? Do you think you will like it? Why or Why not? Discuss text features and reading comprehension questions.
Students will become the ninjas in the story and act out the story line
 Homework: 1. Optional: Draw a picture of yourself as you imagine it as a character in the story.

Week Three, Day Two
Ninja Warm Up
Share ninja drawings
Finish reading ninja story - with movement and discussion.
Brainstorm class ideas - Did you like the story, explain and give reasons.
Apply "OREO" - students will write their opinions and supporting details.
Board Breaking
Homework: 1. Retell the story to someone in your household, or Zoom a friend or family member! 

Week Four, Day One
Ninja Warm Up
Discuss Sentence starters for Opinion Writing
Model using prewriting strategy "OREO" to create a paragraph which includes an introduction, reason to support opinion, and a            conclusion. 
Ninja Blocks and Kid Boppers- movement drill
Homework: 1. Share your opinion paragraph with your family. Discuss with them something you feel strongly about. 
Examples: I feel strongly that all children should have books.
                  I feel strongly that video games are good for children. 
                  I feel strongly that pizza should be the only food.

Week Four, Day Two
Ninja Warm Up
Share homework 
Create a book in class using ninja paragraph, illustrate and share.