Unit Plan 27 (Grade 1 ELA): Synthesizing Across Two Texts
Grade 1 informational reading and writing unit: students compare two texts on the same topic, identify similarities and differences, and write one clear conclusion using details from both sources.
Focus: Same topic—what’s the same/different; write one conclusion
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational • Writing • Speaking/Listening)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Young researchers learn more when they read more than one text on the same topic. This week, students practice noticing what’s the same and what’s different across two short informational texts and use those ideas to write one clear conclusion answering a simple question about the topic. Listening and speaking routines help them check understanding and build precise language.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Identify basic similarities and differences between two texts on the same topic (RI.1.9).
- Gather information from two texts and recall details to answer a question in writing (W.1.8).
- Ask and answer questions about key details presented orally or in visual media to confirm understanding (SL.1.2).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1
- RI.1.9 Identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic.
- W.1.8 With guidance and support, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
- SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details presented orally or through other media.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can tell one same idea and one different idea from the two texts.
- I can use details from the texts (or from listening) to answer a question.
- I can say and write one conclusion sentence that fits both texts.