Unit Plan 8 (Grade 4 ELA): Informative Paragraph Foundations
Teach 4th graders to write clear, informative paragraphs with topic sentences, facts, definitions, examples, and linking words for smooth, focused writing.
Focus: Topic sentences, facts/definitions/examples, linking words
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing, Language)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week launches clear, bite-sized informative paragraphs. Students learn to craft a strong topic sentence, develop it with facts, definitions, and examples (F–D–E), and connect ideas using linking words/phrases. Daily revision checkpoints reinforce grammar and conventions so sentences are correct and easy to read. By Friday, each writer will publish a polished paragraph that teaches readers something with a focused topic, accurate information, and smooth flow.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Write a topic sentence that names a clear topic and controlling idea.
- Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and examples that stay on point.
- Use linking words/phrases (e.g., for example, also, because, as a result) to connect ideas.
- Apply grammar and conventions so sentences are complete and punctuated correctly.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4
- W.4.2a–c (introduce topic; group related information; develop with facts, definitions, and details; use linking words and phrases)
- L.4.1 (grammar and usage in writing/speaking)
- L.4.2 (conventions of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling)
Success Criteria — student language
- My topic sentence tells the topic and what I’ll explain.
- Each supporting sentence is a fact, definition, or example that actually teaches about my topic.
- I used at least three linking words/phrases and the paragraph reads smoothly.
- My sentences are complete, punctuation is correct, and words are spelled using classroom patterns.