Unit Plan 32 (Grade 5 ELA): Writing Informational Reports with Visuals

Focus: Multi-paragraph reports; graphics & captions that teach

Grade Level: 5

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

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

I. Introduction

Writers become explainers this week. Students will plan and draft a multi-paragraph informational report with clear sections, strong topic sentences, and precise, domain-specific vocabulary. They’ll design graphics that teach (charts, labeled diagrams, timelines, maps) and write captions that explicitly connect visuals to key ideas. By Friday, each student will produce a well-organized report with at least one purposeful visual and a caption that adds understanding—not just decoration.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Introduce a topic clearly; group related information in logically ordered sections with headings (W.5.2a).
2. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and examples; use precise vocabulary (W.5.2b; L.5.6).
3. Link ideas within and across categories using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., in addition, specifically, as a result) (W.5.2c).
4. Use formatting and visuals (headings, bullets, graphics) and write explanatory captions to aid comprehension (W.5.2a; SL.5.5).
5. Provide a concluding statement that follows from the information presented (W.5.2e) and revise/edit for clarity (W.5.2d, W.5.5).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5

• W.5.2a–e, SL.5.5, L.5.6

Success Criteria — student language

• My report has clear sections with headings and topic sentences.
• I use specific facts and domain vocabulary correctly.
• I included at least one graphic (chart/diagram/map/timeline) and a caption that tells what it shows and why it matters.
• I use linking language to connect ideas across paragraphs.
• My conclusion wraps up the big idea and reflects the report’s purpose.