Unit Plan 27 (Grade 5 ELA): Synthesizing Across Sources
Grade 5 informational reading and writing unit: synthesize ideas from multiple texts and media, cite evidence accurately, and write concise, evidence-based responses that connect information into one clear understanding.
Focus: Integrating ideas; writing short, evidence-based responses
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational; Writing—Synthesis; Speaking & Listening)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week, readers become information weavers. Students will read/listen to two–three sources on the same topic and learn how to synthesize—not just summarize—by combining the most important ideas into a single, coherent understanding. They’ll practice quoting/paraphrasing accurately, referencing sources, and composing short, evidence-based responses that answer a question fully and fairly.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Integrate information from multiple sources on the same topic to demonstrate understanding (RI.5.9).
- Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis and written responses, using quotes/paraphrases with source tags (W.5.9b).
- Summarize information presented orally or in media and explain how each part contributes to the whole (SL.5.2).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5
- RI.5.9, W.5.9b, SL.5.2
Success Criteria — student language
- I can answer one question using two or more sources in a single, connected response.
- I can quote or paraphrase accurately and name the source.
- I can summarize a short video/audio/graphic and explain how it helps my answer.
- My writing has a clear claim, evidence from multiple sources, and a so-what conclusion.