Unit Plan 34 (Grade 1 ELA): Revising & Editing for Clarity

Focus: Grammar/usage; capitalization/punctuation; spelling patterns

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Language • Writing)

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

I. Introduction

Great writing gets clearer when authors revise (make ideas stronger) and edit (fix conventions). This week, students will practice: writing complete sentences, choosing strong verbs, checking capitals/punctuation, and using spelling patterns and snap words. Each day they’ll make a short draft better through targeted passes and end the week with a polished piece.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Revise a short draft to make ideas clearer by adding/deleting words and ensuring complete sentences (W.1.5; L.1.1).
2. Edit for capitalization (beginning of sentences; I; names), end punctuation (. ! ?), and spacing (L.1.2).
3. Apply spelling patterns (CVC, CVCe; common digraphs sh/ch/th/ck; blends) and correct high-frequency words using classroom resources (L.1.2).
4. Use a simple checklist to plan multiple passes and produce a neat final copy.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1

• L.1.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking (complete sentences; simple verb use; join ideas with and).
• L.1.2 Demonstrate command of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing (capitalize names and I; use end punctuation; apply spelling patterns; use phonetic spelling for untaught words; correct high-frequency words).
• W.1.5 With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed.

Success Criteria — student language

• I can turn fragments into complete sentences with a who/what and did.
• I can capitalize the first word and I, and end with . ! ? that fits my sentence.
• I can fix snap words and use patterns I know (CVC, CVCe, sh/ch/th/ck).
• I can use my checklist to make a clean final copy.