The first player to place three “F’s” or three
“O’s” in a row wins. After making the simple
tic-tac-toe game board, explain to your partner that he can gain a
square if he gives an example of a fact or an opinion. If a player
names a fact, he can place an “F” in a square. If a
player states an opinion, he can place an “O” in a square
on the board.
As you play, have your child prove his factual statements. You
might ask, “How could you prove that this statement is true?”
Or “What sources would you check to see whether a statement
is true?” (For example, you might have encyclopedias, record
books such as the Guinness Book of World Records, or other reference materials on hand while playing).
Likewise, ask your child about the opinions he comes up with when
he is creating an “O” square. You might ask, “Why
is this statement an opinion?” Talk about some of the common
forums where people express opinions, such as writing letters to the
editor of a newspaper, casting a vote for a political candidate, or
participating in an argument. You might also talk about the opinions
of people your child knows. For example, do two people share the same
taste in clothes, music, or books? In addition, ask your child what
comparisons we can make based on facts. For example, the height, weight,
and eye color of people we know can be compared by using facts.
