TEXT-BASED INFORMATIVE WRITING (Grades 4-6) Common Core and SBAC Prep

This is an informational writing unit. ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED, INCLUDING MULTIPLE ARTICLES for text based informational writing. JUST PRINT AND GO! The focus is on teaching skills that students will need to write strong informational essays. The prompts and articles are designed to engage and interest students. The prompts and articles in this unit focus on animals, so this is an excellent ELA/Science unit.

Included are mini-lessons on:
taking notes
writing topic sentences
using transition words
using direct quotes and citations
writing introductions and conclusions
internet research
writing an informational essay

Students are given two specific prompts for every mini-lesson designed to practice the skill taught. There are TEN practice prompts with ALL SUPPORTING MATERIALS provided.

The unit includes 4 different types of assessments including:
a progress monitoring sheet,
a full rubric based on the Common Core and SBAC,
a short practice rubric
and student self-assessment.

The unit includes mini-lessons designed to be used with direct instruction that involve students in learning and practicing specific skills. These lessons can be used with students or adapted to your personal style of instruction. The lessons are great for substitutes, parents, independent learners, and aides because all instruction is included. This is an excellent support program for students who struggle with writing.

This unit is designed to be taught over six weeks, however you can shorten the unit. Each week a skill is introduced in a mini lesson. Then the students practice the skill with a short, on-demand writing prompt. Several days later, students are given a similar prompt to practice the skill again. This prompt can be done in class or sent home for homework.