Fact or Opinion?

I was teaching the terms fact and opinion to some second graders yesterday. We have discussed them before, but their little brains need lots of reminding.

So I went with opinion first. I asked what an opinion was and looked around the room to be met with looks of confusion. I said, "When someone gives you an opinion they are telling you what they..." and I placed my index finger on my temple. Instantly a bunch of hands went up. I called on a girl who said, "An opinion is what someone thinks." Wow. Not only did she know the answer, but she was speaking in full English sentences. I was incredibly proud of her (and the rest of the class by association.)

Now it was time to move on to fact. I asked what the word "fact" meant and one hand was raised. A young boy who goes by the name Jason Kim had raised his hand and had a confident look in his eye. I would be a liar if I said he is the smartest kid I teach. I was a little astonished he knew the answer, but I was pleased he thought he might know the answer. I called on him and he said, "You. Teacher you are fat."

I've worked with children long enough to not be offended, but I thought it was pretty funny.

Much love from your fat friend in Seoul