MaiStoryBook Library

MaiStoryBook: Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots + *Fact vs. Opinion Robot* Activity

Introducing an entertaining read aloud about the differences between facts and opinions~ with the help of some robot friends~ featured in the MaiStoryBook Library Collection: 

“Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots” by Michael Rex

*~Click here to purchase your own copy of “Fact vs. Opinions vs. Robots” to start on your own reading adventure! (This is an affiliate link~ 5% of your purchase will go to MaiStoryBook to help create Reading Resources for your littles)

Book Synopsis and Review

What is the difference between a fact and opinion? It’s a fact that this book is about robots~ And in my opinion, it is a hilarious read aloud! Knowing the difference between a fact and an opinion can be hard to understand~ and sometimes, to tell the difference, you even have to wait until you have more information! That’s because facts are things you have evidence for to prove true or false, and opinions are feelings and beliefs- that you can’t prove. Sound confusing? Fear not~this rowdy group of robots is here to help you discern fact from opinion.

This is an example of literature making learning truly fun! Facts vs. opinions can be hard fro little learners to differentiate, but with this interactive read aloud~ the reader will be asked to identify robot-themed statements as either fact or opinion, using the evidence in the illustrations to decide whether they can prove a statement true or false, whether they need to wait until they have more information, or whether the statement is based on there own feelings and beliefs. Plus, I appreciate that not only does the book clarify facts vs. opinions, but it also reminds the readers that the blue and importance of listening to and respecting each other’s opinions, and to stand up for- and resist arguing- about facts. An excellent combination of SEL, education, and entertainment~ this robot read is sure to have littles learning and laughing!

Vocabulary

  • unique (p. 9) different than anyone or anything else; one of a kind
  • compare (p. 10) to see how things are different or the same
  • repair (p. 22) to fix something
  • reboot (p. 25) to start something over again
  • respect (p. 28) treating someone kindly because you care about them and how they feel

Themes/Main Idea

  • Fact vs. Opinion: A fact is something that can be proven true or false. An opinion is something that you feel or believe- but that cannot be proven.
  • Respect Opinions and Believe in Facts: It is kind to acknowledge and listen to other people’s opinions. Also, be sure to accept the facts, and use facts to help you make good decisions.

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

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*Fact vs. Opinion* Robots Craft

Recently, my little learners had been arguing over opinions, that they had declared as facts. For example, “It is a fact that I am the most adventurous person in the world,” which would promptly be followed by a retort, “Well, that’s your opinion, not a fact.” Of course, some minor arguing would then ensue, leading to hurt feelings and tense afternoons. After one particular episode such as this, I decided it would be an excellent time to read this book~ *Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots* and have some goofy robots help the little learners understand the importance of correctly identifying facts vs. opinions, and listening and respecting other’s opinions, even if you do not agree. The humor of the read aloud was perfect for easing the tension with giggles and guffaws over the silly robots~ and afterwards, the little learners were open to discussing and compromising over their differing opinions of who was most adventurous. Then, of course, to make it even more of a teaching moment~ we chose topics to identify facts and opinions about. If you are looking for a fun bookish themed-template to help your own little learners differentiate between fact and opinion, check out the *Fact vs. Opinion* Robot themed craft inspired by the story~ down below!

Materials

Directions

  • Choose your pieces for the Robot template.
  • There are colored and black and white versions. (Robots inspired by robots from the book)-Head: trapezoid/Red, Triangle/Blue, Circle/Yellow-Arms and Legs (match the arms with correct head/color)
  • Front Body Prompt: “Fact vs. Opinion, Topic :______, Name” (Fill in the Topic of your choice in the blank. Choose a topic you want to write facts and opinions about)

  • Inside Body Templates: Fact Vs Opinion with all lines, Fact vs opinion with lines and picture space, Fact vs. opinion with bullet points, Fact vs. opinion with bullet points + picture space, Fact vs. opinion blank
  • FLAPS: Fact & opinion definition filled in, Fact & opinion definition fill-in-the-blank, Fact & Opinion Write your own definition 
  • Fill in the blank answers: “A fact is something that can be proven TRUE or False.” “An opinion is something that you FEEL and BELIEVE, but you cannot prove. 
  • PRINT THE BODY DOUBLE SIDED: Choose your front template and inside body template and print them double sided. (Or print separate and Glue BACK-TO-BACK)
  • If you chose black and white versions, color them in.
  • Cut them out. 
  • For the body, fold the two flaps in, so that the prompt is facing the front, and when you open the flaps the writing/drawing on the inside is revealed. 
  • Fill in the inside: List Facts about your chosen topic, and your opinions about your chosen topic.
  • Next, attach the head by taping/gluing the bottom of the neck to the back of the body.
  • Glue the arms and legs to the back of the body as well. 

Enjoy Your *Fact vs. Opinion* Robots Craft

  • Share your Topic and Facts and Opinions about it with friends and family, and ask them what their own opinions about your topic are
  • Read aloud some of your facts and opinions, and have a listener guess which ones are facts, and which ones are opinions
  • Display your robots to remind you about the differences between Facts and opinions.

*~Overall, as always, I hope you all are staying safe and healthy, and are having a wonderful start of the New Year! Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary or FaceBook , find me on TikTokor contact me via email to share your own *Fact vs. Opinion* Robot Crafts and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear from you and learn more about you!~*

*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*