Unit Plan 8 (Grade 5 ELA): Informative Paragraphs to Sections

Focus: Topic sentences, facts/definitions/examples, linking words

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing, Language)

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

I. Introduction

Writers shift into informational mode this week—building from a single strong paragraph into a short section that teaches readers something clearly. Students will craft topic sentences, develop ideas with facts/definitions/examples, and knit ideas together with linking words/phrases. They’ll also attend to grammar/usage and conventions so their explanations read cleanly and professionally.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Introduce a topic clearly with a focused topic sentence and organize related information logically (W.5.2a).
2. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and examples, including basic citations or attribution phrases (W.5.2b).
3. Use linking words/phrases/clauses (e.g., for example, in addition, specifically, as a result) to connect ideas within and across sentences (W.5.2c).
4. Choose precise, domain-specific vocabulary appropriate to the topic and audience (W.5.2d).
5. Provide a concluding statement that follows from the information presented (W.5.2e).
6. Apply grade-level grammar/usage and mechanics during drafting and revising (L.5.1, L.5.2).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5

• W.5.2a–e, L.5.1, L.5.2

Success Criteria — student language

• My topic sentence names the focus and sets up what I will explain.
• Each sentence includes a fact/definition/example that truly teaches my reader.
• I use linking words so ideas flow (for example, in addition, consequently…).
• I include precise words for this topic and finish with a clear conclusion.
• My grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling are clean.