Explain or Justify an Idea with a Reason

State an idea or opinion and support it with a relevant reason; respond to feedback or a peer question.

How the lesson starts: Explain or Justify an Idea with a Reason

Amaru's big idea
Hi friend! This is Amaru the alpaca. Amaru has a big idea. We should plant a class garden! His friends ask, why? A good idea needs a reason.
Does it help the idea?
Idea. We should read outside. The fresh air feels nice. The sun is warm. Those help! I have a red backpack. Frogs jump high. Off topic! It is too cold outside. That goes against the idea!
Let's find the reason
Idea. We should have a class pet. Which reason supports it? My shoes are new? Off topic. Fish can swim? Off topic too. Pets can be messy? That goes against it! A pet teaches us to care for animals. That helps the idea!