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Grade 3 ELA Units

Unit Plan 32 (Grade 3 ELA): Writing Informational Reports

Grade 3 informational writing unit: teach students to create multi-paragraph reports with headings, linking words, domain vocabulary, and labeled visuals that enhance understanding.

Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

• 6 min read
Unit Plan 32 (Grade 3 ELA): Writing Informational Reports

Focus: Multi-paragraph informational writing with visuals

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 week, students transform research notes into a multi-paragraph informational report with clear organization, linking words, and domain vocabulary. They design purposeful visuals (diagram, map, chart, or labeled photo) with captions to enhance readers’ understanding and briefly present a key section using the visual. By Friday, each writer will publish a report with: an intro, two body sections (subheadings), a conclusion, linking words/phrases, accurate vocabulary, and one labeled visual that truly supports the content.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

  1. Plan and draft a multi-paragraph informational text that introduces a topic, groups related information under subheadings, and concludes effectively.
  2. Use facts, definitions, and examples, and connect ideas with linking words/phrases (e.g., also, for example, because, therefore, in addition).
  3. Add a visual display (diagram/map/chart with labels and caption) that emphasizes or explains an important fact or relationship.
  4. Use domain-specific vocabulary precisely and appropriately in sentences.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 3

  • Writing: W.3.2a–d (introduce topic; develop with facts/definitions/details; use linking words; provide a concluding statement/section)
  • Speaking & Listening: SL.3.5 (create visual displays to emphasize or enhance facts/details)
  • Language: L.3.6 (acquire and use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific words/phrases)

Success Criteria — student language

  • My report has an intro, two subheaded sections, and a conclusion.
  • I used linking words to connect facts and examples.
  • My visual has a title, labels, and a caption that explains what to notice.
  • I included at least three domain words correctly (highlighted or bolded).