Unit Plan 17 (Grade 6 ELA): Explanatory Writing with Graphics & Citations
Grade 6 informative writing unit: students craft multi-paragraph articles with clear theses, organized sections, and integrated charts or diagrams. They analyze visuals, use domain vocabulary, cite sources, and conclude effectively.
Focus: Multi-paragraph sections; integrating charts/diagrams; citing sources
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing—Informative/Explanatory; Reading Informational)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Explanatory writers teach readers—clearly and credibly. This week, students plan and draft a multi-paragraph informative piece with a precise thesis and logically organized sections. They’ll interpret and integrate graphics (charts/diagrams) to clarify complex ideas, use domain vocabulary, and include citations for text and visuals. By week’s end, each student will publish a concise article that explains, shows, and credits.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Craft a thesis and organize ideas into purposeful sections with headings (W.6.2a).
- Develop sections with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and examples (W.6.2b).
- Use transitions to clarify relationships among ideas (W.6.2c).
- Apply precise language and domain-specific vocabulary; maintain a formal style (W.6.2d–e).
- Provide a concluding section that follows from the information (W.6.2f).
- Interpret information from charts/diagrams and integrate it to build meaning (RI.6.7).
- Gather information, paraphrase/quote responsibly, and cite sources for text and graphics (W.6.8).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 6
- Writing 6.2a–f (W.6.2a–f): Introduce and organize a topic; develop it with relevant information; use transitions; use precise/domain language; maintain formal style; conclude effectively.
- Reading Informational 6.7 (RI.6.7): Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually) to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
- Writing 6.8 (W.6.8): Gather relevant information from multiple sources; assess credibility; quote/paraphrase while avoiding plagiarism; provide basic bibliographic information.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can state a clear thesis and organize my article with informative headings.
- I can include accurate, well-chosen facts and explain them.
- I can place a chart/diagram that readers can interpret, and I can refer to it in my text.
- I can cite where my information and graphic come from.
- My article ends with a conclusion that follows from my information.