Unit Plan 29 (Grade 5 ELA): Procedural/How-To Writing

Focus: Clear steps, transitions, precise language; relative words

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing—Informative/Explanatory; Language)

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

I. Introduction

Writers become instruction designers this week. Students plan and craft how-to pieces that readers can actually follow—using imperative verbs, logical step sequencing, crisp transitions, and precise, measurable language. They’ll strengthen grammar control by using conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections appropriately (L.5.1a) and clean up conventions (lists, commas, capitalization) so the procedure reads smoothly. We’ll also refine clarity with relative words (which/that/where/when) to add short, helpful details to steps.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Introduce a procedure with purpose and needed materials; organize ideas into logical, numbered steps (W.5.2a).
2. Develop steps with facts, definitions, examples, and precise, measurable language (W.5.2b, W.5.2d).
3. Use linking words/phrases/clauses (first, meanwhile, if…then, because, in order to) to connect steps and conditions (W.5.2c).
4. Conclude with a result, tip, or troubleshooting note that follows from the steps (W.5.2e).
5. Explain and apply functions of conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in sentences (L.5.1a); edit for capitalization, punctuation, and spelling—including commas in a series and commas after introductory elements (L.5.2).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5

• W.5.2a–e, L.5.1a, L.5.2

Success Criteria — student language

• My materials list is complete and uses correct commas in a series.
• My steps are numbered, start with strong action verbs, and include where/when details with prepositional phrases.
• I use transitions and if/then conditions so readers won’t get lost.
• I add short relative word phrases (which/that/where/when) to clarify equipment or locations.
• My conclusion matches the task (result/tips/safety) and conventions are clean.