Wiesbaden Elementary students collaborate in opinion writing workshop
Third and fourth graders at Wiesbaden Elementary School recently partnered for an interactive writing workshop focused on editing and improving opinion pieces. The collaboration not only helped third graders refine their writing skills but also gave fourth graders the opportunity to serve as mentors and role models.
During the workshop, fourth grade students paired with third graders to review their opinion essays, beginning with an analysis of topic sentences. Using an inquiry-based approach, the older students shared observations and questions, encouraging critical thinking and constructive dialogue.
The pairs then examined text evidence, reasoning, and explanations supporting the opinions, with fourth graders guiding their younger peers in identifying areas for improvement while also highlighting strong writing elements. This peer-editing process reinforced key writing techniques while fostering a supportive learning environment.
In the final stage of the workshop, students reviewed conclusions to determine if opinions were clearly stated. Using sentence stems such as “I notice…” and “I wonder…,” the fourth graders provided structured feedback, helping their partners refine their arguments.
To conclude the lesson, students reflected on the experience. One third grader shared that they had “made a new friend,” while a fourth grader expressed, “It felt really great to be able to help others.”
The workshop not only enhanced writing proficiency but also built a sense of community and collaboration between grade levels. Educators at Wiesbaden Elementary look forward to continuing peer-to-peer learning experiences that inspire teamwork and academic growth.
