Unit Plan 36 (Grade 5 ELA): Publishing Celebration & Reflection
Celebrate fifth-grade writing achievements with a polished digital portfolio and author talk. Students refine language for effect, showcase growth, and present formal reflections with clarity and confidence.
Focus: Polished portfolios; author talks; language for effect
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing—Publishing; Speaking & Listening; Language)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
It’s showcase week! Students curate a polished writing portfolio, apply final language-for-effect revisions, and deliver an author talk that highlights growth, craft choices, and next steps as writers. They’ll use technology to format, compile, and share their work; practice formal presentation skills; and reflect on how language choices affect tone and audience understanding.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Use technology to produce and publish a portfolio (document/slides/site) that integrates text and simple media; collaborate for feedback (W.5.6).
- Present clear, organized author talks with relevant details and appropriate pacing/volume; strategically integrate visuals; and adapt speech to formal English (SL.5.4–SL.5.6).
- Revise writing and presentations by choosing language for effect (tone, word choice, sentence variety) appropriate to purpose and audience (L.5.3).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5
- W.5.6, SL.5.4–SL.5.6, L.5.3
Success Criteria — student language
- My portfolio is well-formatted, includes multiple pieces with short curator notes, and looks professional.
- My author talk is organized (opening → craft focus → example → reflection) and uses formal English with clear delivery.
- I intentionally chose words, sentences, and transitions to create the tone/effect I want.