aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 5
What topic	Writing opinion sentences from a convicts perspective
Quantity	1
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Lesson Introduction: Writing Opinion Sentences from a Convict's Perspective

Introduction to the Topic

Good morning, class! Today, we're going to embark on an exciting journey back in time to explore a different perspective—one that many of you may not have considered before. We’re going to step into the shoes of a convict!

Hook: The Convict's Viewpoint

Imagine being sent to a distant land for a crime you committed—what would you feel? Fear? Anger? Regret? Would you believe you deserved it, or do you think the punishment was too harsh?

To kick off our lesson, let's take a moment to reflect. I have a few questions for you:

• What do you think life was like for a convict in the 1800s in Australia?
• If you were a convict, what would your opinion be about your sentence?

Now, turn to the person next to you and spend a minute sharing your thoughts. What do you think they might say?

Engaging Activity: Convict Diaries

Now that we've sparked some thoughts, here’s a little activity to warm up our writing muscles:

Think of a convict named Thomas. He has been sent to Australia for stealing bread to feed his family. In your notebooks, write down one opinion sentence from Thomas’s perspective about his situation. Use the starter: "I believe that..."

For example:

• "I believe that stealing to survive shouldn't be punished so harshly."

As you write, consider his feelings and what he might have experienced. Be prepared to share your sentence with the class!

Transition to the Lesson

Great work, everyone! Your sentences help us understand the importance of perspective in writing. Today, we’ll delve deeper into expressing opinions clearly and powerfully, just like Thomas did in his diary entries. Let's get started!