Unit Plan 36 (Grade 3 ELA): Publishing Celebration & Reflection
Grade 3 writing portfolio unit: students polish and present their best work with visuals, reflections, and author talks—celebrating growth and setting future writing goals.
Focus: Presenting polished writing portfolios; year reflection
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing, Speaking & Listening, Language)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This capstone week celebrates students’ growth as writers and speakers. Learners polish, package, and present a small writing portfolio (2–3 pieces from the year) using simple technology for formatting and visuals, prepare a short author talk, and craft a year-in-review reflection. Instruction emphasizes publishing with tools (W.3.6), presenting clearly with visuals (SL.3.4–SL.3.6), and choosing language for effect and audience (L.3.3). By Friday, each student will share a concise, polished presentation and leave with a keepsake portfolio and concrete next-step goals.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Produce and publish a writing portfolio using technology (slide deck or document) with clear formatting, titles, and visuals (W.3.6).
- Plan and deliver a short presentation that is organized, paced, and supported by a visual (poster/slide/portfolio page) (SL.3.4, SL.3.5).
- Speak in complete sentences, choosing words and tone appropriate to audience and purpose; revise language for clarity and effect (SL.3.6, L.3.3).
- Write a year reflection that names growth, evidence from pieces, and one future goal (L.3.3).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 3
- Writing: W.3.6 (use technology to produce and publish writing)
- Speaking & Listening: SL.3.4–SL.3.6 (report in organized manner; add visual displays; speak in complete sentences)
- Language: L.3.3 (use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing/speaking; choose words/phrases for effect; adjust formality)
Success Criteria — student language
- My portfolio has titles, dates, and visuals, and is neat and easy to read.
- My author talk uses complete sentences, clear pace/volume, and one helpful visual.
- I revised sentences to fit my audience and used at least two strong word choices for effect.
- My reflection states what changed, evidence from my writing, and one next-step goal.