Unit Plan 36 (Grade 6 ELA): Publishing Celebration & Reflection
Grade 6 publishing unit: students curate polished writing portfolios, refine language for effect, and deliver engaging author talks using visuals and technology to showcase growth, style, and audience awareness.
Focus: Polished portfolios; author talks; language for effect
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing—Publishing; Speaking & Listening—Presentation; Language—Style)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Time to share the work with the world. This week, students curate and polish a small writing portfolio, craft a brief author talk, and fine-tune language for effect in both writing and speaking. They’ll use technology to publish clean, audience-ready pieces and present insights about their growth as readers and writers.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Use technology to produce, format, and publish a polished mini-portfolio with clean organization and consistent style (W.6.6).
- Present claims and findings in a well-sequenced author talk, using relevant facts, descriptive details, and appropriate pacing (SL.6.4).
- Incorporate media or visual supports that clarify ideas and add interest (SL.6.5).
- Adapt speech to audience and purpose, using formal English when appropriate (SL.6.6).
- Apply language for effect—varying sentence patterns, repetition for emphasis, and tone consistency—in written pieces and presentations (L.6.3).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 6
- Writing 6.6 (W.6.6): Use technology to produce and publish writing; interact and collaborate.
- Speaking & Listening 6.4–6.6 (SL.6.4–SL.6.6): Present claims/findings clearly; use digital media strategically; adapt speech to context and task.
- Language 6.3 (L.6.3): Use knowledge of language and conventions; vary sentence patterns for meaning and interest; maintain consistency in style and tone.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can publish a clean, organized portfolio with consistent formatting.
- I can deliver a clear, timed author talk with purposeful visuals.
- I can vary sentences and use repetition/parallelism to emphasize key ideas.
- I can reflect on my growth with specific evidence from my work.