Unit Plan 8 (Grade 1 ELA): Informative Writing – All-About Sentences

Focus: Topic sentence, facts/definitions, simple closing

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing • Language)

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

I. Introduction

Writers teach their readers by naming a topic, adding facts/definitions, and finishing with a simple closing. This week, students craft short all-about sentences/mini-paragraphs using clear topic sentences, is/has/can fact frames, and kid-friendly definitions. With feedback, they revise and edit for capitals, spaces, and end marks.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Write an informative piece that names a topic, supplies facts/definitions, and provides a closure (W.1.2).
2. With guidance/peer support, revise to add a fact or clarify wording; respond to questions/suggestions (W.1.5).
3. Apply L.1.2 conventions (capitals, spaces, end punctuation; phonetic/invented spelling with word wall).

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.
• W.1.5 With guidance and support, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions, and add details to strengthen writing.
• L.1.2 Demonstrate command of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Success Criteria — student language

• I can write a topic sentence: “This is about ___.”
• I can add 2–3 facts/definitions that teach (using is/has/can).
• I can end with a closing that fits (e.g., “Now you know about ___.”).
• I checked capitals, spaces, and a period (or ?/!).
• I made one change after feedback.