Unit Plan 30 (Grade 5 ELA): Reading History/Science Texts with Visuals
Grade 5 informational reading and listening unit: interpret charts, diagrams, and maps, connect visuals to text meaning, and master domain vocabulary through context clues, word parts, and media summaries.
Focus: Interpreting charts/diagrams/maps; domain vocabulary
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational; Speaking & Listening)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week sharpens students’ ability to read visuals like text. Learners will decode charts, diagrams, and maps, connect them to the accompanying history/science passages, and build domain vocabulary from context, morphology, and glossaries. By Friday, students can use a visual to answer questions efficiently, explain how the visual adds to understanding, and summarize information presented across print and media.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Interpret and integrate visual information (charts, diagrams, maps, timelines) with the text to deepen understanding and answer questions efficiently (RI.5.7).
- Determine the meaning of domain-specific words and phrases relevant to grade 5 history/science texts using context, morphology, and reference features (RI.5.4).
- Summarize information presented visually, orally, or via media and explain how each part contributes to the whole (SL.5.2).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5
- RI.5.7, RI.5.4, SL.5.2
Success Criteria — student language
- I can read a visual (title, labels, legend, scale, axes, compass rose) and tell what it shows.
- I can explain how the visual adds to or clarifies what the passage says.
- I can figure out domain vocabulary using context clues and word parts.
- I can produce a clear summary that blends information from text and visual/media.