Unit Plan 17 (Grade 1 ELA): Explanatory Writing with Labels & Captions

Focus: Teaching pages with labels/captions; domain vocabulary

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing • Reading Informational • Speaking/Listening)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

First graders can “teach” others by pairing clear pictures with labels and captions. This week, students study how informational pages use text features (labels, captions, headings) to explain ideas, then plan and create their own one-page teaching text with domain vocabulary. They will present their page, using visuals to make their explanation easy to understand.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Identify and use text features (labels, captions, headings) to locate and convey information (RI.1.5).
2. Write a short informative/explanatory page that names a topic, supplies facts and domain vocabulary, and provides a simple closure (W.1.2).
3. Add drawings/visuals with labels/captions to clarify ideas when sharing (SL.1.5).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1

• W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
• RI.1.5 Know and use various text features (e.g., headings, tables of contents, glossaries, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information.
• SL.1.5 Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

Success Criteria — student language

• I can name my topic and give 2 facts using real words for the topic (domain vocabulary).
• I can add labels that point to parts in my picture and write a caption that tells what the picture shows.
• I can find labels/captions in a book and tell how they help me learn.
• I can share my teaching page and explain how my visuals help the reader.